What does foreshadowing do in a story?

Foreshadowing serves a crucial role in storytelling by providing hints or clues about future events that may occur later in the narrative. This technique builds anticipation or suspense, prompting readers to engage more deeply with the plot as they begin to piece together potential outcomes. By subtly hinting at what is to come, foreshadowing can enhance the emotional impact of key moments and create a cohesive narrative structure, as later events often relate back to these earlier signs. This technique invites readers to reflect on the significance of these moments, making the unfolding story more compelling and layered.

The other options do not align with the purpose of foreshadowing. Resolving the main conflict pertains to the climax or resolution of a story rather than hinting at future events. Introducing the setting establishes the context for the story but does not function as a predictive tool. Elaborating on character backgrounds provides essential information about the characters but does not directly relate to foreshadowing future plot developments.