What narrative device is often used to provide background information about characters and circumstances at the beginning of a work?

The narrative device that serves to provide background information about characters and circumstances at the beginning of a work is known as exposition. Exposition is crucial to storytelling as it sets the stage for the narrative, introducing key elements such as the setting, character motivations, and the initial situation that the characters find themselves in. This foundational information helps the audience understand the context of the story and prepares them for the unfolding plot.

In contrast, other options like character development refer to the growth and change of characters throughout the narrative rather than providing background information. The inciting incident is a specific moment that triggers the central conflict or action of the story, coming after the exposition. A prologue, while it can serve to introduce background information, is a distinct section that may contain additional storytelling elements outside of the primary narrative flow. Therefore, the most accurate term for describing the delivery of background information at the beginning of a work is exposition.