What is meant when one uses foreshadowing?

Foreshadowing involves the use of hints, clues, and suggestions in a narrative to hint at or suggest what will happen in the story later on. As a literary device, its purpose is to create anticipation, suspense, and a sense of dramatic tension. Through foreshadowing, authors can effectively craft a plot, lay the foundation for future events, or provide subtle hints about character development or the overall outcome of a story. The intention of foreshadowing is to hint at upcoming plot developments without giving away crucial details, allowing readers to speculate, engage with the narrative, and piece together the full picture as the story unfolds.