How does foreshadowing contribute to a narrative?

Foreshadowing plays a significant role in enhancing a narrative by hinting at future events, which serves to build suspense and intrigue. By providing subtle clues or indications of what is to come, foreshadowing engages readers, encouraging them to pay close attention to details and anticipate developments in the story. This anticipation can create a deeper emotional investment in the characters and plot, as readers are eager to see how unfolding events will align with the hints they've been given.

In contrast, other elements such as providing background information, introducing main characters, or concluding the story do not involve the forward-looking aspect that foreshadowing does. While background information establishes context, character introductions set up the narrative, and conclusions wrap up the story, none of these functions generate the same level of suspense and excitement that foreshadowing inherently provides throughout the text.