Almost all plots follow a basic sequence, which was first described by the German novelist and playwright Gustav Freytag and is sometimes described as Freytag's Pyramid. The first part in this basic sequence is______________________.

Freytag's Pyramid describes the structure of a typical narrative arc, outlining the progression of events in a story. The first part of this sequence, known as exposition, is crucial because it sets the stage for the narrative. During the exposition, the author introduces the characters, the setting, and the initial situation. This foundational information is essential for readers to understand the context of the story, the motivations of the characters, and the challenges they will face.

Without a solid exposition, the subsequent parts of the plot, such as rising action, climax, and resolution, would lack the necessary context for readers to fully comprehend the unfolding drama. Thus, the identification of exposition as the first element in Freytag's Pyramid highlights the importance of establishing a strong narrative foundation before the story progresses to conflict and resolution.