What is foreshadowing used for in a narrative?

Foreshadowing is a literary device that gives readers clues or hints about what will happen later in the story. This technique builds anticipation and creates suspense, allowing the audience to engage more deeply as they try to predict and piece together the storyline. For instance, if a story includes a seemingly unimportant detail, such as a character finding a broken window, that detail might foreshadow a future event, like a burglary or an escape.

While providing backstory, introducing characters, or resolving conflicts are all important elements of storytelling, they do not specifically relate to foreshadowing. Foreshadowing is distinct in its role of hinting at future events, which is why this choice is the most accurate answer.