What is an example of a narrative technique?

The use of flashbacks to reveal character history is a narrative technique because it enhances the storytelling by providing insights into characters' backgrounds, motivations, and emotions. Flashbacks allow readers to understand the reasons behind a character's present behavior or relationships by presenting important past events that shape their current circumstances. This technique adds depth to the story and can create tension or increase emotional engagement as readers piece together the character's journey.

In contrast, a complete lack of dialogue, a focus solely on the setting, and the exclusion of character development do not serve as effective narrative techniques. While they may appear in certain narratives, they do not actively contribute to the unfolding of the plot or character arcs in the same way that flashbacks do. A lack of dialogue could hinder character voice and interaction, focusing solely on the setting may neglect character development, and excluding character development removes essential elements that drive narrative engagement.