flashback is a device used in stories, films, television episodes, etc., that interrupts the flow of the plot to ‘show’ readers/viewers an event that happened previously. Most flashbacks are utilized to provide background so that the audience has a greater understanding of the story, characters, setting, etc., taking place in the chronological present. Flashbacks can take place at any point in the narrative arc, from the first to the last scene.

Use of Flashback in Literature

A flashback can serve many purposes in literature, including:

• create suspense in the story;
• illustrate a certain character’s behavior;
• provide context about the setting;
• allow readers to ‘see’ a memory.