Flashbacks & Flash Forward
Flashbacks and flash forwards are both techniques that writers use to manipulate time in their storytelling.
Flashbacks are scenes or events that occur earlier in the story’s timeline than the present moment of the narrative. They are used to provide backstory or additional information about a character or event that is relevant to the story. Flashbacks can be used to reveal secrets, build suspense, or add emotional depth to a character. The fact that the flashback can be so easily triggered also lets the reader know that its content is important. For example, a character might have a flashback to their childhood to explain why they have a fear of dogs or why they have a strained relationship with their father.
Flash forwards are scenes or events that occur later in the story’s timeline than the present moment of the narrative. They are used to foreshadow events, build suspense, or provide a glimpse into the future of the story. Flash forwards can be used to hint at a character’s fate, create a sense of mystery, or show the consequences of the characters’ actions. For example, a story might open with a flash forward of a character standing at a grave, and then cut back to the present to show how they got there.
领英推荐
Overall, both techniques of nonlinear narrative can be powerful tools in a writer’s toolbox, but it’s important to use them judiciously and with purpose, since overuse can disrupt the flow of the narrative and confuse readers. Many of today’s movies and serial programs abuse flashbacks way too often as a crutch to create quick backstories.
As a matter of course, flash forwards are less often seen in literature. The reason may be because of the difficulty in not giving away the ending. There’s a fine line between telling the future and prematurely exposing the ending. Arguably the most famous use comes in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. As a result, Let’s focus the rest of this blog on flashbacks. There are a few tips that I’ve found helpful in building creative flashback scenes.
Full story here: