What role does foreshadowing play in a story?

Foreshadowing is a literary device that serves to hint at or indicate what will come in the future of a story. It functions primarily to build suspense, creating anticipation in the reader and allowing them to feel a sense of impending events. By dropping subtle clues or hints early in the narrative, foreshadowing prepares the audience for future developments, which may not manifest until later in the plot. This technique can make the unfolding of events more impactful when they occur, as the reader can start to connect the dots and anticipate outcomes based on the information provided earlier.

Incorporating foreshadowing also enhances the overall narrative structure, making the eventual twists and turns feel more cohesive and satisfying when they finally unfold. It engages readers, drawing them deeper into the story as they look for signs of what might happen next, thus making the reading experience more interactive and thrilling.