A writer will use foreshadowing to place hints that can be subtle or obvious to suggest what may happen later in the story. Sometimes we can be reading a story and something unbelievable happens. We then realize that earlier in the book, there was a place where the author hinted that something like this would happen. Sometimes a reader will remember the hint and keep it in mind as they continue to read the book. Others will not even realize that this device was used until the foreshadowed event happens.

One genre in particular utilizes this element more than any other. Mysteries and Thrillers rely on foreshadowing to create anticipation and to intrigue their readers. Foreshadowing is very effective in hooking a reader to the story. Avid readers of these genres will gain useful skills in predicting the foreshadowed event. They will work out the clues and hints.