Prolepsis - GCSE English Language Definition

Prolepsis, also known as flash-forward, is when a writer hints at or shows something that will happen later in the story. It interrupts the current timeline to give the reader a glimpse of the future. This can be a direct scene from later on, or a hint that builds suspense.

Writers use prolepsis to create tension and keep the reader interested. It can also help build dramatic irony, where the audience knows something the characters do not. In GCSE English Literature, recognising prolepsis helps you spot how a writer structures a story and controls the reader’s expectations.

Example of prolepsis in a GCSE text

In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the witches give Macbeth a prophecy at the start:

“All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter.”

This is an example of prolepsis, as it shows what will happen later in the play. It creates suspense and influences Macbeth’s future actions, making the audience wonder how and when he will become king.