What is the primary purpose of including exposition in a play?

The primary purpose of including exposition in a play is to provide the audience with essential information and background material. Exposition serves as the foundational context for the entire narrative, allowing the audience to understand the situation, setting, and character motivations. By offering necessary details about the characters' pasts, the environment they inhabit, and the circumstances they face, exposition ensures that viewers are not lost and can engage meaningfully with the unfolding drama.

This background information is crucial for establishing the stakes and enhancing audience comprehension as the plot develops. It sets the tone and provides insight into character viewpoints, enabling the audience to appreciate the motivations behind their actions and decisions. Without effective exposition, viewers might struggle to grasp why characters behave in certain ways or how conflicts arise, leading to confusion rather than engagement with the story.