Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
* Setting: The story is set in a small town called Pickleton, Illinois, in the present day.
* Protagonist: We meet the protagonist, a young girl named Lucy, who is living with her aunt in a "decrepit" Victorian mansion.
* Conflict: The conflict arises immediately. Lucy's aunt, who is a renowned historian, has recently discovered a hidden room in the mansion. Inside the room, they find a diary written by a woman who lived in the house nearly two hundred years earlier. This diary reveals that the woman, Anne, was accused of witchcraft and banished from the town.
* Intrigue: The discovery of the diary and Anne's story creates an immediate sense of mystery and intrigue. Lucy is drawn to Anne's story and becomes determined to learn more about her.
The exposition essentially introduces the following elements:
* Lucy's character: A curious and somewhat lonely girl who is seeking connection.
* The setting: A place steeped in history and secrets.
* The conflict: The discovery of Anne's diary and the mystery surrounding her fate.
The exposition acts as a catalyst, setting the stage for the rest of the story. It introduces the core conflict and piques the reader's interest, prompting them to continue reading and unraveling the mystery of Anne's life.