What is foreshadowing often used for in storytelling?

Foreshadowing is a literary device that serves to hint at future events within a narrative, creating anticipation and building tension for the reader. By dropping subtle clues or suggestions about what is to come, authors can prepare the audience for future twists, changes, or revelations in the plot. This technique enriches the storytelling experience, as readers may find themselves looking back at earlier parts of the text to see how these hints align with later developments.

While comic relief, character development, and conflict resolution are key elements in storytelling, they do not directly relate to the specific function of foreshadowing. Comic relief is intended to lighten the mood, character depth is about fully fleshing out characters' complexities, and resolving conflicts pertains to the climax or conclusion of a narrative rather than setting up future events. Thus, the use of foreshadowing specifically aligns with hinting at upcoming occurrences, making it an essential tool for enhancing narrative structure and engagement.