Which term is defined as hints about coming events in a story?

• A. Irony
• B. Flashback
• C. Symbolism
• D. Foreshadowing

Answer: (D)

Foreshadowing is a storytelling technique in which the author drops hints or clues about what will happen later in the plot. These hints prepare readers for upcoming events and can build suspense or anticipation. The clues may appear in dialogue, in a description, or through small details that seem ordinary at first but gain significance as the story unfolds. For example, a character noticing a distant thundercloud or a casual remark about a future misfortune can signal trouble to come. This idea differs from irony, which involves a contrast between appearance and reality or between what is said and what happens; from a flashback, which revisits past events; and from symbolism, which uses objects or images to represent broader ideas or themes rather than predicting future events.