Question

What is the main purpose of the exposition in a short story?
A. to drive the story's plot to its climax.
B. to introduce the story's characters and setting.
C. to describe the results of the story's conflict.
D. to develop the story's conflict.

Answer 1

The main purpose of the exposition in general, not just in a short story, is to B) introduce the story's characters and setting. 

Answer 2

The correct answer is B. To introduce the story's character and setting. 

Exposition in a short story tells us all the background information. It could be information about the setting, characters, backstories. Of all these details will help us understand a story.