Which literary element primarily focuses on the background information of the characters and setting?

The literary element that primarily focuses on providing background information about the characters and setting is exposition. Exposition sets the stage for the story by introducing key details such as the time period, location, and initial circumstances surrounding the main characters. This element is crucial for readers to understand the context in which the narrative unfolds, allowing them to grasp the motivations, conflicts, and developments that will occur later in the plot. It paves the way for the unfolding of the story and creates a foundation for the subsequent events that follow.