Guiding Methods for Preemptively Introducing Plot Points in Writing

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In the desolate heath of Act I Scene 3 of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', the witches declare Macbeth as the future King of Scotland, setting the stage for a series of events that unfold with a mix of intrigue and suspense. This article is a guest post by Doug Lewars, a seasoned author of thirteen books published on Smashwords.com.

The scene, shrouded in mystery and thunderous rumblings, presents a character named Dennis, who becomes the target of another character's revenge. However, the extent and effectiveness of the character's plan to kill Dennis remain unknown to the reader, adding an element of uncertainty to the plot.

Foreshadowing, a literary technique used to build tension and suspense in a story, is evident in this scene. It involves hints about events that will come to pass. In 'Macbeth', the witches' prophecy serves as a powerful example of foreshadowing, setting the stage for the tragic events that follow.

However, overuse of foreshadowing can potentially ruin a plot by making the ending predictable. For instance, Margaret Atwood's book 'Bodily Harm' is an example of a book where suspense may cause readers to abandon it due to its predictability. On the other hand, authors like John Irving use foreshadowing to suppress suspense, making it clear that a character will survive the events of the book.

Doug Lewars, who enjoys writing, reading, fishing, and sweets, believes that the art of foreshadowing lies in its balance. Deliberately suppressing excitement with foreshadowing can be difficult without losing reader interest. Red-herrings, not the same as foreshadowing, can add a layer of complexity to the plot, creating an air of mystery and keeping readers engaged.

Despite his success as an author, there is no publicly available information about Doug Lewars's date of birth or personal life beyond his love for literature and his thirteen published books. However, he is not over the hill but is approaching the summit, continuing to contribute to the literary world with his unique insights and captivating stories.

In conclusion, foreshadowing is a powerful tool in storytelling, capable of building tension and suspense, but its use must be balanced to maintain reader interest and avoid making the ending predictable. As we delve deeper into the world of literature, we can learn from authors like Shakespeare, Atwood, and Irving, who masterfully employ this technique to create memorable and engaging stories.