A single action, at the beginning of the play or even before the play begins, often sets the stage for almost all future actions is called an antecedent action. The antecedent action is everything that happened before the story begins. It is used to provide the background or meaning behind what happens during the story. The preceding action is considered part of the story's plot exposition. Exposition is everything the audience needs to know to understand a story or play. We will discuss the opening action in the play Othello, Oedipus and the Doll's House. A single action, at the beginning of the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare that sets the stage for the upcoming action in action is Act I: Scene 1 of Othello opens with a conversation between Iago and Roderigo that captures the interest of the public. The audience realizes that Iago is trying to convince Roderigo to take part in a plan to destroy Othello. The exposition in this scene sheds light on the fundamental character of Iago, who is treacherous, vengeful and manipulative and reveals the main conflict of t...