What effect do flashbacks have on plot development?

Flashbacks serve as a powerful narrative tool that enhances plot development by providing crucial background information about characters and events. By revealing past experiences and memories, flashbacks clarify the motivations behind current events and decisions made by characters. This added context allows readers to understand why characters react in certain ways or make specific choices, deepening engagement with the narrative.

For instance, if a character is acting impulsively, a flashback might reveal a traumatic childhood experience, thus explaining their current behavior and helping the reader empathize with them. While flashbacks can influence the pace of the story and may even lead to significant shifts in plot, their primary function is to enrich the understanding of character dynamics and overarching narrative themes, making them integral to the story's emotional impact.