Prolepsis

Prolepsis refers to the use of anticipation, foreshadowing, or forward reference within a narrative or argument. A text introduces information about future events before they occur in the storyline, guiding interpretation of current actions or themes. This technique can create tension, provide explanation, or frame meaning by showing where events are headed. Prolepsis does not disrupt the sequence randomly; it strategically places future knowledge into the present to influence understanding, emphasis, or emotional response. It is commonly used in historical writing, storytelling, and rhetorical argument to orient readers toward an expected outcome.