Which literary device is used to hint at future events?

Foreshadowing is a literary device that involves providing hints or clues about events that will occur later in a story. It helps build anticipation in the reader and can create a sense of tension or excitement as they try to predict what might happen next. For example, an author may drop subtle hints through dialogue, descriptive elements, or even the actions of characters that imply a future outcome, allowing readers to read between the lines and engage more deeply with the narrative.

The other options serve different purposes in literature. A character arc refers to the transformation or development of a character throughout the story, often relating to their personal growth or changes in perspective. A flashback is a narrative technique that interrupts the chronological flow of a story to revisit an event from the past, giving readers background information but not directly suggesting future events. Imagery involves the use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental pictures for the reader, enhancing the sensory experience but not specifically hinting at what will happen later.