What role does foreshadowing play in a narrative?

Foreshadowing is a literary device that creates anticipation in the reader by providing subtle hints or clues about events that will occur later in the narrative. This technique helps build suspense, as readers become more engaged in the story, eager to see how the hinted events will unfold. By planting these early breadcrumbs, the author prepares the audience for key moments, making the eventual revelations or plot twists more impactful.

The other options focus on distinct narrative elements. Character analysis involves a deeper exploration of a character’s traits and motivations, which foreshadowing does not do directly. Describing the setting in detail paints the backdrop for the story but does not imply future events. Outlining the main theme conveys the overarching message or moral of the story, rather than hinting at specific developments. Each of these serves a different purpose within a narrative, while foreshadowing is specifically concerned with creating a forward-looking tension in the plot.