Which element of storytelling provides clues about what will happen later?

Foreshadowing is a literary technique used by authors to give hints or clues about future events in a story. This element builds anticipation and prepares the reader for what is to come. For instance, the author might drop subtle hints or create an atmosphere that suggests an upcoming event, enabling the reader to make predictions about the direction of the plot.

In contrast, characterization focuses on how characters are developed and portrayed, while dialogue refers to the conversations between characters that reveal their personalities or advance the plot. Exposition, on the other hand, serves to set up the background information, introducing the setting and the characters at the beginning of the story, rather than providing clues about future events. These elements enrich the narrative, but foreshadowing specifically aims to prepare the reader for what is likely to happen later in the text.