What name is given to a story element that acts as a narrative pause, detailing background information before the main events?

The term that refers to a story element providing background information before the main events is known as exposition. Exposition serves several important functions in a narrative, including introducing key characters, setting the scene, and explaining necessary context for the storyline. This foundational information helps readers understand the motivations, conflicts, and circumstances that shape the plot, thereby enhancing their comprehension and interest in the unfolding events.

In contrast, other options like scene and summary do not specifically focus on background information. A scene presents specific moments of action or dialogue, while a summary condenses events or details without offering in-depth background. Flashback involves a narrative technique that revisits prior events in the story to illustrate connections or provide insights into a character’s past, but it is not primarily intended to introduce the story's background information upfront. Thus, exposition stands out as the correct term, highlighting its vital role in story construction and reader engagement.