What happens in the exposition of a play?

In the exposition of a play, the setting, characters, and situation are introduced to the audience. The audience learns about the background information that is necessary to understand the events that will unfold in the rest of the play. The exposition often sets the stage for the conflict that drives the plot forward and gives the audience important context for what they are about to witness. It typically occurs at the beginning of the play and lays the foundation for the rest of the story.