Nessa is reading a story about two boys who become friends despite growing up in very different environments. When they first meet during a baseball game, the two characters, Carlos and Paul, are described in detail by the narrator. The reader learns background information about them which helps paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Which plot element is illustrated in this portion of the story?

a) Climax

b) Exposition

c) Resolution

d) Rising action

b) Exposition