Smirnov asks for his money back.
In the beginning of “The Bear,” by Anton Checkov, the readers are introduced to two characters—Luka and Popova. All of the information (possible choices/responses) for this question is presented. Readers do find out that Popova’s husband was unfair to her. Readers do find out that Popova’s husband has died. Readers do find out that Luka has lost his wife. And, readers do find out that Smirnov asks for his money back. However, the fact that Smirnov asks for his money back does not immediately occur in the play, and readers find this information out only after the play establishes itself. As such, this bit of information does not occur during the exposition (beginning/background information) of the play.