foreshadowing

Definition

A literary or narrative technique where subtle hints, clues, or indirect references to future events are woven into the story, priming the audience's subconscious for what's to come.

Example Usage

The author used foreshadowing by having the character mention a fear of deep water three chapters before the climactic drowning scene.

Origin

'Fore' (before) + 'shadow' (indication), a technique discussed since ancient rhetoric but formalized as a literary device in modern criticism.

Fun Fact

Great foreshadowing is invisible on first viewing; only in retrospect do audiences realize they were being prepared for the ending.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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