What does foreshadowing do in a narrative?

• A. Gives a hint or suggestion of something to come.
• B. Provides a detailed backstory.
• C. Introduces a new character only.
• D. Replicates a previous scene.

Answer: (A)

Foreshadowing is a storytelling technique that plants hints about what will happen later in the story. It can show up as a small clue, a symbolic object, or a line of dialogue that seems ordinary at first but points toward a future event. The value is that it prepares readers, creating a sense of anticipation and making later outcomes feel earned and believable when they occur. It also rewards careful readers who notice the clues and can offer new insight when the event unfolds.

This differs from giving a detailed backstory, which focuses on past events rather than what comes next. It isn’t about introducing a new character, and it isn’t simply repeating an earlier scene; foreshadowing is about hinting at future developments.