<P> A narrative work beginning in medias res ( Classical Latin : ( ɪn mɛdiaːs reːs ) , lit . `` into the middle things '' ) opens in the midst of action ( cf . ab ovo , ab initio ) . Often , exposition is bypassed and filled in gradually , either through dialogue , flashbacks or description of past events . For example , Hamlet begins after the death of Hamlet 's father . Characters make reference to King Hamlet 's death without the plot 's first establishment of said fact . Since the play focuses on Hamlet and the revenge itself more so than the motivation , Shakespeare utilizes in medias res to bypass superfluous exposition . </P>
<P> A narrative work beginning in medias res ( Classical Latin : ( ɪn mɛdiaːs reːs ) , lit . `` into the middle things '' ) opens in the midst of action ( cf . ab ovo , ab initio ) . Often , exposition is bypassed and filled in gradually , either through dialogue , flashbacks or description of past events . For example , Hamlet begins after the death of Hamlet 's father . Characters make reference to King Hamlet 's death without the plot 's first establishment of said fact . Since the play focuses on Hamlet and the revenge itself more so than the motivation , Shakespeare utilizes in medias res to bypass superfluous exposition . </P>
starting a story in the middle of the action
starting a story in the middle of the action
in medias res
in medias res