What element in a play provides background information and often precedes the main action?

The correct answer is exposition. Exposition plays a crucial role in storytelling, particularly in plays, as it lays the foundation for the narrative by providing essential background information. This includes details about characters, settings, and events that occurred prior to the main action, allowing the audience to understand the context and motivations of the characters. By introducing this information upfront, exposition helps to set the stage for the unfolding drama, making it clearer why characters behave in certain ways and how past events influence current situations. This element is vital for engaging the audience, ensuring they are oriented and properly informed about what is happening in the story.