In case you don't know, that's J. K. Rowling and the first book, first paragraph of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In those few words we learn a great deal about the Dursleys. They want to be perfectly normal, they don't like mysteries, and they don't believe in the strange. They also live on Privet Drive. Do you know what a privet is? Basically, a privet is a type of shrubbery most often used as hedges, also called "prim." Is it any surprise we don't like these dreadful people?
This is how to make the most of your exposition.
*LaPlante, The Making of a Story, W. W. Norton & Co., 2007. p.644
That's a great example!
ReplyDeleteGreat example and awesome advice. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteEllie Garratt
I am learning so much - it all helps me improve my writing!! Thank you!! Take care
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Exposition can be incredibly hard to get right. I hate coming across a poorly written info dump right in the middle of action. Boo!
ReplyDeleteExcellent example. It says a lot about who the Dursleys are/were without actually spending pages explaining how they are.
ReplyDelete:-)
If ever there were a greater example than this of exposition, I have yet to find it. Well done, and extra kudos for mentioning Harry Potter, one of my favorite series ever!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean, "we don't like these dreadful people"? I'll have you know I quite like the Dursleys, thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteAs characters, of course. As actual people... god, no.
Excellent example.
ReplyDeleteHi, I've never read the Rowling books, but I may read them now, after reading the introductory paragraph. Thanks for stopping by and visiting with me! I appreciate the fact that you came from a large family, too. Sharing is the very best way to grow up, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteRuby