Here are the key elements of the exposition:
* Setting: The story takes place in a society that prioritizes beauty above all else. This is a technologically advanced world where genetic manipulation is commonplace and used to create a standard of "perfection."
* Main character: Tally Youngblood is introduced as a 15-year-old "Ugly" who is eagerly anticipating her upcoming "prettying" operation. She is curious, adventurous, and naive about the world beyond her small town.
* Conflict: The reader is immediately introduced to the central conflict: the conflict between the desire for beauty and the potential consequences of sacrificing individuality for conformity. We learn that the "prettying" operation is not just about physical transformation but also about altering people's minds and personalities.
* Rising action: The exposition ends with Tally's encounter with David, a "pretty" who has chosen to live outside the controlled world, called the "Smoke." This encounter sparks Tally's curiosity about the world beyond the Pretty Town and sets the stage for her journey of self-discovery.
* Themes: The exposition introduces the key themes of the novel, including conformity vs. individuality, the dangers of beauty standards, the importance of personal freedom, and the power of rebellion.
In short, the exposition of "Uglies" paints a picture of a society obsessed with beauty, where individuality is sacrificed for conformity. It introduces Tally, the main character, and sets the stage for her journey of questioning the established system and challenging the norms of her society.