Exposition in narrative or dialogue

[jgraney8]

I have just finished reading two books which are in a similar genre but have different approaches to exposition. Both books describe settings, nature, and actions in expository prose. One also gives history and character information in expository prose while the other presents some of the same information through dialogue. For example, one book portrays the character's background in several paragraphs telling us who the character is and his or her back story. The other book mixes some exposition in prose with other information coming through dialogues between the main characters or through dialogues of supporting characters. I find the second approach more appealing. Anyone have thoughts about this?

[Serena_Charlotte]

I think it is mostly a function of opinion. Some people prefer to have information dumped on them so they don't have to really pay attention. Others, I would imagine most people, prefer to find out information slowly and dynamically. I'm in the latter camp. It helps to concentrate when information isn't just thrown at you and I think it shows a skillful writer to blend personality into dialogue and other things.

[KellaReads]

I’m all about exposition on the move (via dialogue and action rather than block-dumps). In my books I’m trying to finish, that’s how I focus on delivery of information: through character interaction or internal conflict/conversation.