What is the purpose of incorporating flashbacks in a narrative?

Incorporating flashbacks in a narrative serves the important function of providing background information that enhances the reader's understanding of characters, events, and motivations. Flashbacks allow the author to delve into past events that are crucial for contextualizing the present narrative. By revealing significant experiences or memories, the story can offer a richer perspective on the characters’ actions and emotional states, making the plot more engaging and relatable.

For instance, a character's current dilemmas may be better understood when the reader is presented with flashes of their childhood or key moments from the past that have shaped their identity. This technique effectively deepens the reader's connection to the characters and their experiences, enriching the overall narrative.