temporal mechanics/proʊˈlɛpsɪs/

Prolepsis

Etymology: Ancient Greek 'prolēpsis' (anticipation), from 'pro-' (before) + 'lēpsis' (taking).

Theorist Origin: Gérard Genette (1972)

Definition

Any narrative maneuver that consists of narrating or evoking in advance an event that will take place later (commonly called a flashforward).

Mathematical or diagrammatic model:t_story > t_discourse_anchor

Example from literature

“The opening of One Hundred Years of Solitude: 'Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon...'”

Related terms

AnalepsisAnachronyForeshadowing