- Definition
Foreshadowing is when an author gives hints early in a story about things that will happen later on.
In a mystery story, a character finding a muddy bootprint early on could foreshadow the later discovery of a suspect who was near a river.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Foreshadowing is like the dark clouds that gather before a thunderstorm — they give you a hint of what's coming.
Ask your child: What clues in this chapter hint at what might happen next?
Common mix-up: A common mistake is thinking foreshadowing is a spoiler that ruins the surprise. It's actually a subtle clue that builds suspense and makes the ending feel earned.
Examples
- A character in a movie repeatedly complaining about a headache could foreshadow a later, more serious health problem.
- When a story opens with a dark and stormy night, it often foreshadows that something bad or mysterious is about to happen.
foreshadowing is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
