Topic: Foreshadow
Chapter written by: Zoriey
Level: Basic
Related genre(s): All

fore•shad•ow
verb
be a warning or indication of (a future event)

Foreshadowing is a powerful literary device. It can turn your story from a simple page-turner into one that makes your readers think, "Wow!"

For some writers, this can come easily without planning. They are in the zone, fingers flying away, and ideas slap them across the face as they go. It can be quite the experience.

"I can make A say this so when B happens, everyone will be amazed!"

There'll often be comments like, "Called it!" and "I knew this was going to happen." That is an effect of foreshadowing most often seen.

Then there are the writers who plan, drawing out timelines and ideas, meticulously making sure everything comes together in the end.

"A is going to happen, something small, in book one, killing everyone in book three. No one will see it coming. But they'll remember that moment in book one and see it for the warning it was."

Of course, foreshadowing isn't limited to just dialogue and events nor do all writers think and/or write the same way. One person could put the warning in a chapter title, or even the book title itself. It all depends on how the writer chooses to wield it.

Don't confuse foreshadowing with a red herring, something that is used to purposefully make the readers guess wrong. This is a popular device used in mysteries and thrillers.

"I'm going to make A happen so they'll believe B happens, but C happens instead."

There is also side-showing, something that isn't commonly used.

"A and B are the main plotline but I'll make C and D happen so the readers question everything when really it holds no relevance to A and B. Much like real life."

A couple examples of foreshadowing:

1. Callum strode through the woods with his friends, his worn boots scraping against something metal hiding beneath the fallen leaves on the ground. He moved the debris aside, revealing a rusty 'BEWARE OF DOG' sign. He smirked, kicking the sign away. "Let's go."

Later on, a rabid dog attacks the boy's friends.

2. Elu, princess of the Garund Kingdom, paused on her way to the throne room, her stomach urged to head to the kitchens for a quick refreshment. Her jewels glittered, her dress swayed, and when she made to the sweltering room of ovens and clattering dishes, she drew the eye of a serving boy. More particularly, her necklace did. She cleared her throat to gain his attention, raising a brow in question.

His neck flushed red as he stuttered, "T-that's a mighty fine necklace, Y-your Highness. May I a-ask where you got it?"

Elu's lips curled with a delicacy rivalled by silk. "Thank you. It's a gift, from Prince Dirin."

The servant's expression was carefully blank with an empty smile to match guarded eyes. "I-I see. I'm sorry to have interrupted, Your Highness."

He dismissed himself with a low bow, scurrying away before Princess Elu could utter another word.

Later on, an assassin is sent from Prince Dirin's kingdom to retrieve the necklace. The Prince hadn't wanted to marry the girl.