Final answer:
The term for the part of a story that lays the background is 'exposition,' which includes details about the setting, main characters, and potential conflicts, setting the stage for the rising action and the rest of the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the part of a story that lays the background is exposition. The exposition provides important foundational details such as the setting, introducing us to the main characters, and hinting at themes and potential conflicts that might arise. It sets the scene by outlining the where, when, and who of the story.
Additionally, it can play a crucial role throughout the narrative as more details about the characters and their circumstances are revealed. Understanding the exposition is essential as it frames the narrative scope and offers the boundaries within which the story will unfold, similar to how the edges of a photograph create its boundaries. Adequate exposition is critical to the development of the story, serving as the basis upon which the rising action and subsequent parts build.