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prolepsis

Prolepsis is a term used across rhetoric and narrative theory to denote anticipation of future events or objections. The word comes from Greek prolepsis, meaning “anticipation” or “taking beforehand.” In rhetoric, prolepsis is a figure of speech that brings an anticipated objection or counterargument into the present, and answers it before it is raised. In narrative contexts, prolepsis can describe a future event shown or hinted at ahead of the main timeline, a technique often called a flash-forward.

Rhetorical prolepsis aims to preempt criticism and strengthen a position by addressing possible objections at once.

When used as a narrative device, prolepsis creates suspense through foreknowledge. It can foreshadow outcomes, reveal

Prolepsis is a flexible concept, appearing in classical rhetoric, modern prose, and film. It intersects with

It
may
take
the
form
of
a
question
raised
by
the
speaker
and
answered
within
the
same
sentence,
or
a
concession
followed
by
justification.
It
should
not
be
confused
with
hypophora,
where
a
speaker
asks
and
answers
a
question,
though
the
two
devices
can
overlap.
the
consequences
of
a
choice,
or
jump
ahead
to
a
scene
in
the
future.
This
contrasts
with
analepsis,
or
a
flashback,
which
returns
to
earlier
events.
foreshadowing
and
can
function
as
both
a
stylistic
figure
and
a
plot
device.
Its
effect
ranges
from
clarified
argument
to
dramatic
irony,
depending
on
context.