: Re: Avoiding the "as you know" trope in exposition When writing fiction, especially in universes other than our own such as sci-fi/fantasy genres, the reader often has to be given a piece of information
If you have the luxury, I would say the best advice is to take your time with it, and find a way to get drama out of it. Here's the best example I can think of, the miniseries Oppenheimer, which is an absolute masterclass in exposition. I can't place video embeds, so you'll have to click links:
For your question, the most important trick they use here, is to have a character explain things poorly and then have another character step in, and simplify the explanation. This makes for a more realistic dynamic, since most people aren't good at explaining things, and it sets up a little tension between your characters.
The point is returned to at the start of the next episode, where Oppenheimer explains the problem to his superior. Again, a very realistic scenario, and a neat trick, since the superior is not a scientist and understands little more about physics than the audience does:
Finally, the solution to the problem lands in their lap, but the scientists are too focused on quick successes to see it:
That's how the BBC did it: slow and methodical. By contrast, here's the Hollywood approach, quick and dirty. A few props and a cool scene, with little attention to realism or actual exposition:
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