Final answer:
The element of a drama that informs the audience about the major dramatic question is the exposition, which lays the groundwork for understanding the plot and characters.
Step-by-step explanation:
An element of a drama that tells the audience about a major dramatic question is the exposition. The exposition is a crucial part of a play's structure, where the setting is established, and the main characters are introduced. It not only sets the scene but also hints at the themes and conflicts that the audience can expect to unravel throughout the story. It often occurs at the beginning of the play and can continue in various forms as characters reveal more about the plot and themselves.
In practice, the exposition plays a vital role in engaging the audience and providing the context necessary for understanding the subsequent dramatic events including the inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution.