What is foreshadowing in simple words?

Foreshadowing is a hint or clue early in a story about something that will happen later. It prepares the reader, builds suspense and makes the ending feel planned rather than random.

What is an example of foreshadowing?

In the prologue of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare calls the lovers “star-cross’d” and says they “take their life.” Before the play even starts, the audience knows the story will end in tragedy.

What are the two main types of foreshadowing?

Direct foreshadowing tells the reader openly that something will happen, for example through a prophecy. Indirect foreshadowing uses small clues, such as an object, the weather or a line of dialogue, that only make sense later.

What is the difference between foreshadowing and flashback?

Foreshadowing looks forward: it hints at future events. A flashback looks back: it shows events that happened before the main story. Both change how readers experience time in a story.

What is Chekhov’s gun?

Chekhov’s gun is a writing principle named after the Russian writer Anton Chekhov. If a story shows an important detail, such as a gun on the wall, that detail should matter later. Otherwise, it should be removed.

How do you use foreshadowing in your own writing?

Plant a small clue early, such as an object, a warning or a change in the weather. Keep it subtle, then make it matter later. Phrases like “She didn’t know it yet, but…” create direct foreshadowing.

Word Games Pro Dictionary

netmail

verb

Communicate electronically on the computer

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length: 7
Starts with: N
Ends with: L
Contains: ET
Scrabble score: 9

Listen

Audio Pronunciation

Meaning

Definitions

verb

Communicate electronically on the computer
“She e-mailed me the good news”

In context

Example Sentences

She e-mailed me the good news

Similar words

Synonyms

Check yourself

netmail

Word Facts

Audio Pronunciation

Definitions

verb

Example Sentences

Synonyms

Practise This Word

About

Explore

Popular Tools

Popular Games

Quick Links

Word Facts

Audio Pronunciation

Definitions

verb

Example Sentences

Synonyms

Practise This Word

Related Tools

About

Explore

Popular Tools

Popular Games

Quick Links