Lesson 3 - Setting - Discussion Topic

DISCUSSION TOPIC: In the opening scene, discuss the importance of foreshadowing. You may have to do a little research on this, but it is very important that you understand its importance. Discuss how you would use foreshadowing not only in the opening paragraphs, but throughout the story.


In my opening scene I used foreshadowing by describing the human race as diminishing to the point of being cannibals after an unexplained Apocalypse. However, by saying that the number of people in the original colony had been reduced to eight people, it is stating that the eight humans in that cave will soon become extinct if something doesn't change. And then by having the white wizard Ramas being there, tapping his staff, sighing, and showing he has great magical powers, it foreshadows that he may use his magic to do something to fix the situation. Another thing I think is an element in good foreshadowing is where you foreshadow something without letting the reader know exactly what is going to happen. Here I didn't say what Ramas will do, just hinting he will do something.

I love foreshadowing. It makes me feel like a mystery writer even if I don't write mystery. It makes me feel like I am leaving clues for the reader that will give him a certain satisfaction when he finds them out to be true. It is critical that he doesn't guess the clues explicitly. I want to give him implicit clues where when he reads it happening he tells himself he was right all along. I strive to make sure that if possible he only guesses subconsciously so that the element of surprise isn't taken out.

Does anyone know if Ramas is an Islamic name - such as a holiday or something? I know there's Ramadan but I don't know how Islamic Ramas is. I will probably change it when I get a better idea.