500 Foreshadowing Examples [Explained for Beginners]

Foreshadowing is a powerful storytelling device that drops hints—big or small—about events yet to come.

It helps build suspense, engages readers, and can make plot twists feel both surprising and inevitable. Below, you’ll find 500 foreshadowing examples across ten major categories with easy explanations.

Types of Foreshadowing

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Table of Contents

Let’s start with the different types of foreshadowing examples.

Direct or Overt Foreshadowing — When a narrative or character plainly states or strongly hints at what will happen. A prophecy, a direct statement, or a blatant “he would never see her again” are clear forms of this approach.
Indirect or Subtle Foreshadowing — Hints appear as small details, changes in mood, or throwaway lines. On a second read, these details become obviously significant.
Symbolic Foreshadowing — Objects, weather, or animals act as symbols. For example, a crow might foreshadow doom, or a bright flower might hint at renewal.
Prophetic or Vision-Based Foreshadowing –Dreams, visions, or actual prophecies that explicitly or cryptically predict events. Often cryptic until the big moment unfolds.
Flashforward — A quick glimpse of the future that reveals part of the outcome before returning to the present timeline.
Chekhov’s Gun — If a story draws attention to an object (e.g., a gun on the wall), it must be used later. No introduced detail should remain meaningless.
Red Herring — A clue that misleads the audience, seeming like real foreshadowing but ultimately distracting from the true twist.
Dialogue-Based Foreshadowing — Characters might casually mention or joke about something that later becomes crucial to the plot.
Behavioral Foreshadowing — A character’s repeated quirk, fear, or obsession signals how they’ll respond in a crisis or final confrontation.
Object or Location Focus — If a scene dwells on a particular place or item, it’s probably going to matter down the line (like a camera zooming in on a locked door).

Keep reading to learn 500 examples illustrating these techniques, organized by genre.

Classic Literature Foreshadowing Examples

In these foreshadowing examples, authors embed fate, omens, and symbolic warnings that prime readers for pivotal events.

The Scarlet Letter (Nathaniel Hawthorne) — A dark meteor streaking across the sky foreshadows the severe judgment and revelations waiting for the main characters.
Great Expectations (Charles Dickens) — Pip’s ominous sensation at the graveyard suggests that an encounter in that spot will define his destiny.
Macbeth (William Shakespeare) — The witches’ prophecies about Macbeth’s rise and eventual ruin lay out the entire tragic framework of the story.
Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë) — Catherine’s restless sleep and fixation on the moors hint at the fierce storms—both literal and emotional—about to erupt.
Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë) — A lightning strike splitting a chestnut tree outside Thornfield Hall foreshadows a coming fracture in Jane and Rochester’s bond.
A lone crow perched on the windowsill each time the protagonist feels uneasy, foreshadowing a dark secret soon to emerge.
During a cheerful dinner, the host sets out an extra chair by mistake, hinting an unexpected guest is imminent.
A faint crack in the family portrait suggests the unity of this household is about to shatter.
Town gossip about a “cursed estate” subtly raises tension before tragedy befalls the main family.
Distant thunder whenever two characters argue hints that their conflict will spark a catastrophic fallout.
A minor character warns of “brewing storms,” paralleling the protagonist’s emotional tempest on the horizon.
A broken clock in the manor always stops at midnight, suggesting a dramatic confession or event at that precise hour.
Each time the hero passes an abandoned church, the organ pipes moan, hinting at a haunting or infiltration soon.
A small mention of unpaid debts gently flags a potential financial motive behind a future betrayal.
An unopened letter sits on the mantel for months, foreshadowing shocking news that changes the protagonist’s life.
Local children’s lullabies about ghosts become more than folklore when eerie apparitions start.
Rain drips through a single crack in the ceiling, reflecting the slow unraveling of a grand estate.
A horse neighs wildly each night at the same hour, hinting that someone arrives or leaves at that consistent time.
The protagonist glimpses her face in a cracked mirror, symbolizing internal turmoil and identity conflict.
A wilted orchard in bloom season signals a budding romance that’s doomed to fail.
The caretaker has a dream of fire engulfing the estate, foreshadowing an actual blaze due to negligence.
A stray dog howls during dinner, hinting that death or misfortune will soon come.
A fortune-teller glimpses “blood on the horizon,” but no one listens until a violent confrontation proves her right.
Small talk about a “missing will” preludes inheritance chaos.
Everyone is told never to open the attic door, hinting at a significant secret locked away.
A friendly fencing match becomes tense, suggesting a real duel in the near future.
Offhand references to a “curse on the firstborn” warn of tragedy for the eldest child.
A caretaker remarks, “There’s no bright dawn without the darkest night,” priming readers for betrayal or heartbreak at midnight.
A single black hair found on a pristine comb indicates an outsider creeping through the home.
Old diaries mentioning repeated heartbreak suggest a cyclical tragedy about to repeat.
A child’s nightmares about the estate’s tower preludes a shocking discovery there.
A local wise woman quietly says, “Flee this place,” indicating the protagonist’s forced departure eventually.
The hero stumbles on an embroidered crest hidden behind wallpaper, linking the house’s old owners to the present drama.
A caretaker’s mild cough each time he’s nervous preludes his big reveal of a family scandal.
The protagonist’s father warns, “Be wary of your reflection,” foreshadowing a doppelgänger or identity-based twist.
Moonlight only illuminating half the walkway each night suggests half-truths that overshadow the family.
A letter pinned to the stable door reading “I know what you did” preludes guilt overwhelming the main character.
Whispered accounts of “ghost lights” near the lake set up a crucial meeting or spirit reveal there.
A half-burned love letter discovered in a desk preludes an old flame returning to disrupt current arrangements.
Children claim to see a “woman in gray” roaming corridors at night, hinting at a vengeful ancestor’s spirit.
A cryptic rhyme about “the lock and the key” preludes a hidden chest that transforms the protagonist’s fortune.
Each time a new suitor visits, the estate’s shutters bang violently, indicating heartbreak or looming tragedy.
A row of portraits with eyes that seem to move suggests an unseen spy or supernatural presence.
The caretaker confesses to seeing the library lights on at 2 AM, hinting at a secret meeting at that exact hour.
Gossip about a stolen dowry from decades ago preludes a final confrontation when it’s reclaimed.
A trivial slip on the marble staircase suggests that location will see a fatal or dramatic tumble later.
During tea, a delicate porcelain cup shatters, symbolizing the soon-to-be-broken peace.
An aunt scolding a rebellious niece preludes a romance or forbidden fling the niece enters into.
A black-robed visitor appears at every funeral, implying more deaths to come in the near future.
Soft moans from sealed catacombs grow louder each night, signaling an unveiling of dark family secrets.

Mystery/Crime Examples of Foreshadowing

The foreshadowing examples below include clues, suspicious dialogues, and overlooked details that prime readers for shocking revelations or cunning plot twists.

Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle) — A stray dog’s barking draws attention to a suspect’s odd habits and eventually cracks the case.
And Then There Were None (Agatha Christie) — The eerie nursery rhyme about ten little figures essentially maps out every victim’s demise.
Murder on the Orient Express (Agatha Christie) — Hints of shared backgrounds among passengers foreshadow a group with one motive.
In the Heat of the Night (John Ball) — The emphasis on local prejudice sets up the central tension in the murder investigation.
The Hound of the Baskervilles (Arthur Conan Doyle) — A legend of a monstrous hound misleads into thinking it’s supernatural, though it’s rational (but menacing).
Detective Smith notices footprints heading away from the scene, implying the killer fled on foot.
A suspicious letter containing a rose petal suggests the victim was poisoned by that flower.
Casual talk of the victim’s knack for locked doors preludes a classic locked-room murder.
Overhearing a spat about unpaid debts flags a monetary motive for the upcoming murder.
At a dinner party, one seat remains empty, signaling a key figure’s absence that ties to the crime.
A photo in the hallway shows two soon-to-be suspects connected to the victim.
A caretaker’s remark, “Cover your footprints,” ironically leads the detective to footprints hidden in the garden.
The old mention of “that hidden tunnel” preludes the culprit’s secret escape path.
A phone left off the hook at the crime scene preludes a frantic last call nobody heard in time.
The detective’s partner receives a note reading, “You’re missing the obvious,” foreshadowing a clue right under their nose.
An antique watch stops at 2:13 a.m., precisely matching the murder’s time of death.
The victim’s diary states, “If I don’t come back by midnight, suspect everyone!” setting up multiple suspects.
A wine glass spilled near the body preludes discovering the wine was drugged or poisoned.
Neighbors recall hearing “three short knocks” before silence, pointing to the killer’s method of entry.
In a heated conversation, the suspect jokes, “I’d kill to keep this secret,” preluding their actual homicide.
The caretaker complains about “weird footprints in the basement,” hinting at the murderer’s hideout.
The detective’s old friend references a bullet with unique markings, which solves the case later.
The victim’s best friend mentions a hush-hush business venture, preluding a motive for murder.
Two characters share a cryptic glance about missing evidence, hinting they’re withholding key info.
Stale tobacco in an ashtray indicates a rare smoker who seldom visits, linking them to the crime.
A thunderstorm is forecast for the night of the murder, foreshadowing an electrical or camera outage.
A policeman’s old memory of a similar M.O. preludes the killer repeating their pattern.
A bullet found in the suspect’s coat pocket implies leftover ammo from the fatal shot.
The caretaker moans about hearing scuffles in the attic, preluding the final confrontation overhead.
A phone line crackling with static suggests tampering that cuts off crucial calls.
The station clerk jokes about “odd calls at midnight,” preluding a game-changing call that arrives exactly then.
The detective picks up a faint cologne at the scene, identifying a refined suspect.
A friend’s offhand question, “Who truly benefits?” reiterates the classic motive puzzle and cracks the case.
An old case file from years ago shares too many similarities, hinting the same killer is back.
A suspect’s trembling hands at the mention of a poison formula preludes them forging that lethal mixture.
The caretaker ironically says, “Lock every door or else…,” preluding a break-in that uses an unlocked window.
The cat’s hair found in the suspect’s car directly ties them to the victim’s pet.
The suspect absentmindedly flipping a lighter throughout the story preludes an arson-based clue.
“We only need one bullet,” a friend says, describing exactly the single shot used in the murder.
The detective’s scribbled note reading “No footprints?” preludes a suspect who carefully wiped them away.
The caretaker’s mention of “someone rummaging in the tool shed” points to how the killer prepared the weapon.
A random slip about “my gloves” from a suspect preludes discovering no fingerprints at the scene.
Tension about “that old locked trunk” preludes the discovery of hidden evidence inside it.
The detective’s half-finished sandwich left on the counter becomes crucial when time-of-death is established.
A clerk complains about an “unusual new brand of cigarette,” linking that brand to the killer’s preferences.
The caretaker sees a shadow passing by the library at 10 PM daily, the exact hour the murder occurs.
The victim once said, “If I die, it’s no accident,” preluding a staged suicide that’s actually murder.
The suspect’s ring is found near a tear in the carpet, linking them to the scene.
A side character cracks a joke about “the perfect crime,” ironically describing part of the actual plan.
The detective’s final rhetorical question, “Who stands the most to lose?” preludes the culprit being the unsuspected financial partner.

Fantasy Examples of Foreshadowing

Think magic, cryptic visions, and hidden destinies that let authors drop big or subtle hints about transformations, epic quests, or final standoffs. Enjoy these fantasy foreshadowing examples.

The Lord of the Rings (J.R.R. Tolkien) — Bilbo’s unwillingness to let go of the One Ring signals its corruptive power over any bearer.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (J.K. Rowling) — Hermione’s impossible class schedule foreshadows her use of a time-turner.
The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis) — Endless winter references lead to the White Witch’s oppression of Narnia.
A Song of Ice and Fire (George R.R. Martin) — Constant talk of “winter is coming” primes readers for the White Walkers’ threat.
The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien) — Gandalf’s remark that Bilbo is “more than he appears” sets up the hobbit’s hidden courage.
A village elder repeatedly dreams of a “moonlit dragon,” signaling a scaled beast’s night arrival.
A mystical sword hums at the presence of evil, hinting it’s linked to dark forces.
A princess’s half-memory of a hidden door under the castle preludes her future escape or secret discovery.
The kingdom’s crest with a phoenix hints at the rightful ruler’s potential for miraculous rebirth.
A traveling bard’s tune about a “lost city of gold” sets up a quest to unearth it.
A prophecy stating, “When the moon turns red, the beast shall awaken,” preludes an eclipse-based awakening.
Dwarves once forged a “god-killing spear,” which reemerges in a final confrontation.
A princess experiences dreams of a locked tower, pointing to a future showdown or captivity there.
Whispers about a cursed forest’s “speaking vines” preludes the hero’s confrontation with living plants.
The protagonist’s faint wrist mark glows under moonlight, suggesting a lunar-based destiny.
The traveling druid senses the forest “weeping,” setting up an eventual corruption of nature.
The old prophecy references “blood of the mermaid,” indicating that’s needed to lift a curse.
Each time the false king appears, horses neigh and tremble, exposing his evil aura.
A caretaker references “the orchard that never blossoms,” hinting it will only bloom for the true heir.
A child’s lullaby about starbeasts preludes the actual starbeast arrival.
The local wise woman’s repeated caution, “Beware the one who tames storms,” preludes an antagonist controlling the weather.
A traveling mage sees “dark shapes in your shadow,” prophesying an upcoming dark side to the hero.
The hero’s father once bragged about slaying a hydra, preluding that hydra’s reappearance or vengeance.
A single rose petal turning to ash at dawn hints at time-based magic draining life from the land.
Royal diaries mention an exiled prince rumored to have dragon’s blood, foreshadowing his triumphant return.
A passerby jokes about “a hidden door in the mountains,” setting up the final secret entrance.
The hero’s nightmares of being encased in ice preludes a confrontation with ice wraiths.
The traveling blacksmith forges an unbreakable chain, used to trap a giant later.
A hidden library with “forbidden knowledge” preludes the hero’s discovery of a lost spell.
A painting of a hero wearing the same amulet the protagonist just found underscores the hero’s lineage.
The queen’s random illusions about drowning hint at a water-based tragedy in the castle moat.
The local tavern posts warnings of “the Dragonrider coming,” foreshadowing a legendary figure returning soon.
The caretaker moans, “The land is sick,” preluding the reveal of a blight from black sorcery.
A child’s toy soldier missing its head parallels the looming decapitation of the tyrant.
A traveling jester’s riddle about “the hidden crown in plain sight” suggests the real monarch is unrecognized.
The fortress’s watchtower is said to never ring its bell. This changes in the final siege.
The old orchard caretaker warns, “Trees have long memories,” preluding an ancient forest spirit’s grudge.
A wizard abruptly changes topics whenever dragons are mentioned, hinting guilt or a hidden pact.
Rumors that “the cursed ring corrupts all who wear it” parallel the hero’s slow moral decline once wearing it.
The guardians say, “No one returns from the obsidian pass,” preluding the hero’s forced journey there.
The heroine’s casual mention of “magic doesn’t exist here” becomes ironic when she awakens her own powers.
The traveling knight sees markings on the stones indicating an ancient demon sealed below.
Each time the villain approaches, torches flicker out, hinting that the darkness is literally tied to them.
A squire’s mention of “holy water stinging his hand” preludes the final confrontation with a disguised undead.
The hero’s comedic fear of heights ironically preludes climbing a massive tower to retrieve a relic.
The stable boy glimpses a shimmering horseshoe, preluding a unicorn or magic steed’s arrival.
A cryptic phrase about “the seventh star overshadowing the land” preludes an astral event that triggers chaos.
The caretaker notes fresh footprints outside the old tomb, hinting that a supposedly vanished spirit is active.
Witches speak in half-truths about “the chosen child,” preluding a birthmark found on the protagonist.
A child’s lullaby softly references “the scaly wing” that will overshadow the kingdom, predicting a dragon’s flight.

Science Fiction Examples of Foreshadowing

In these science-fiction foreshadowing examples, futuristic societies, cosmic wonders, or advanced tech can drop seeds of upcoming cataclysms, heroic triumphs, or unexpected discoveries.

Dune (Frank Herbert) — Constant references to Paul’s potential as Muad’Dib prime us for his messianic destiny.
Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card) — Casual remarks that Ender’s “simulations” feel too real cue us about the final twist.
Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury) — Montag’s distaste for his wife’s TV walls hints he’ll rebel against this soulless society.
The Time Machine (H.G. Wells) — The inventor’s prototypes referencing Eloi and Morlocks preludes his journey to their future.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Philip K. Dick) — Repeated talk of empathy tests sets up the blur between humans and replicants.
A malfunctioning robot butler repeatedly says, “Terminate anomaly,” hinting at a hidden kill directive.
Astro-miners’ canary stops chirping near an “empty” asteroid, signaling a lurking danger.
A pilot jokes about “warp drift,” preluding a catastrophic warp malfunction.
News bulletins about microchip-hacking pets preludes the hacking of human implants next.
A single vine growing on Mars foreshadows successful terraforming or an alien ecosystem.
Minor talk of “glitches” in the life-support preludes a station-wide oxygen crisis.
Static-laced comm lines referencing “ghost signals” hint at alien eavesdropping.
The captain’s old journal about traveling faster-than-light resurfaces once new warp tech is tested.
Mention of “genetic splicing labs” preludes monstrous hybrids escaping.
The hero’s nightmares of the cosmic void preludes a horrifying EVA accident.
The android’s curious question, “What is it like to feel love?” signals its growing self-awareness.
Satellite data shows odd heat blooms on a “dead” planet, indicating hidden civilizations.
The hero experiences déjà vu near a wormhole, suggesting a time-loop phenomenon.
Colonists laugh off local legends about a “sentient forest,” preluding a psychic forest controlling minds.
The teleporter merges two insects by accident, hinting at a final catastrophic fusion with a human.
The star-liner bartender jokes about only four escape pods left, preluding a scramble to flee a meltdown.
An AI caretaker humming a lullaby ironically suggests it might turn maternal or protective in crisis.
The protagonist sees an old photo featuring them alongside a future or older version of themselves (time travel).
The planet’s red sun phenomenon means certain tech fails at dusk, forcing a sunset confrontation.
“Do not feed the quantum anomaly” signs warn that messing with it will enlarge the anomaly.
A stasis pod cracks open spontaneously, revealing an occupant who’s not what they seem.
Robots freeze upon hearing “Omega Protocol,” implying a universal kill-switch.
A supercomputer’s 0.01% meltdown risk ironically becomes the doomsday scenario.
The city on Venus that never sees night invests heavily in solar energy, preluding doom if the sun is eclipsed.
The caretaker mutters about “cosmic skeletons” in orbit, foreshadowing the discovery of alien remains.
The protagonist’s father once studied subspace anomalies, preluding a rescue from subspace.
The hero jokes about “a glitch in the station’s cryo-chambers,” preluding a meltdown that wakes everyone prematurely.
Random rumors that “people vanish near the black hole” set up a rescue mission in that exact location.
A star map on the antagonist’s wall marks a star about to go supernova—his plan to exploit it.
A child’s teddy bear repeatedly found in crucial areas signals bridging communication with an alien race.
The medical officer complains about a new virus strain that’s unusually resilient, hinting a bio-weapon outbreak.
Mentions of “synthetic companion” ads preludes moral conflict over android rights.
The old warp gates often lead to random coordinates, preluding a jump to a lost empire.
The hero’s EVA suit experiences a mild oxygen glitch, foreshadowing a dire shortage in a crisis.
The caretaker sees laser scorch marks on random asteroids, indicating space pirates or prior battles.
The supercomputer’s logs reference “Project Elysium,” preluding a utopian plan that is actually sinister.
Distress signals repeating “S.O.S.” from a derelict vessel preludes discovering a time loop on board.
The star-liner chef mentions running out of food, preluding survival drama if the ship is stranded.
The child’s imaginary friend is glimpsed in the corridor, hinting at a real invisible alien presence.
The caretaker’s old saga of “the unstoppable cavalry” references an ancient armada returning.
The detective notes brand-new tech suspiciously installed in the engine room, preluding sabotage.
The protagonist’s phone alarm rings at 5 AM daily, ironically matching the rescue shuttle’s arrival time.
The local mention of the “No Return Nebula” preludes a final leap of faith by the hero’s crew.
The caretaker’s meltdown about “someone messing with the life pods” suggests the villain’s plan.
The cosmic fortune teller warns, “Stars revolve thrice and destinies collide,” referencing a crucial triple alignment that triggers the climax.

Horror Examples of Foreshadowing

Let’s get scary. Read through these horror foreshadowing examples full of eerie whispers, ominous shadows, and creeping dread, which prime the reader or viewer for fearsome encounters.

The Shining (Stephen King / Stanley Kubrick) — Danny’s visions of the Grady twins and a torrent of blood preludes the Overlook’s violent legacy.
Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock) — Norman’s reference to his mother’s bad temper and stuffed birds hint at deeper psychological horrors.
Halloween (John Carpenter) — Michael Myers standing ominously in the distance suggests an unstoppable, silent evil.
The Haunting of Hill House (Shirley Jackson) — Nell’s unease about the house’s odd angles preludes the psychological haunting.
It (Stephen King) — Red balloons and children’s fearful reactions anticipate Pennywise’s menace long before he appears.
A rocking chair moves by itself at midnight, implying a restless spirit occupying it.
The caretaker repeats, “Never open the cellar after sundown,” hinting that something monstrous lurks below.
A silhouette in the attic window whenever the hero looks up suggests that no one’s truly alone in this house.
Displaced dolls in odd positions throughout the mansion imply an unseen hand moves them.
The protagonist has recurring nightmares about a faceless figure, preluding their literal encounter.
Neighbors say they see lights at night in the old orphanage, though electricity was cut off years ago.
The well in the backyard is sealed, rumored to house a drowned spirit that emerges on rainy nights.
Scratch marks on bedroom walls intensify nightly, predicting something trying to break in or break free.
A black cat hissing at an empty corner means a ghost stands there unseen.
A quiet child’s lullaby about ghosts preludes discovering real specters in the next room.
Flickering basement lights hint at an entity draining power from the home.
A caretaker’s diaries mention a failed exorcism, indicating poltergeist activity ahead.
An antique mirror occasionally reflects a different room, hinting at a portal or ghost dimension.
Children’s laughter in abandoned halls preludes the appearance of their restless spirits.
One occupant finds a half-burned letter reading, “He’s inside,” preluding the intruder’s presence.
The caretaker remarks on “the stench of bleach” in the alley, implying that someone cleaned up a crime scene.
Blood-red moon rumored once a year preludes a monstrous transformation night.
The attic trunk is found locked; inside are relics from an alleged witch, preluding a curse reawakening.
A dream about a mother crying in a rocking chair sets up the final confrontation with her ghost.
The house’s previous owner disappeared mysteriously, preluding a repeated fate for the new resident.
The dog refuses to enter a specific room, hinting at a malevolent presence inside.
The protagonist sees their reflection grin when they’re not smiling, a sign of a malevolent double.
A local legend about “the harvest man” surfaces each harvest season, preluding a scarecrow or spirit’s attack.
The caretaker scolds the children, “The walls have ears,” preluding them actually hearing whispered voices in the plaster.
Trickling water noises behind the walls preludes discovering a hidden corpse or watery spirit.
A cameo cameo: The priest’s repeated scripture references reappear in a demon’s taunt, confirming a possession.
Strange humming from the chimney suggests something living there, preluding a vile creature’s emergence.
Painted eyes in old portraits seem to track movements, implying someone is spying or possessed portraits.
A caretaker’s hush-hush statement, “Don’t follow the lights in the swamp,” preludes a will-o’-the-wisp luring victims.
The children’s bedtime chant, “Shadows walk at noon,” preludes an unnatural phenomenon in broad daylight.
A cameo cameo: The rocking horse found in an upstairs room is discovered moving on its own at midnight.
The caretaker jokingly suggests the mice are escaping from the walls, hinting that something bigger is driving them out.
A cameo cameo: The squeaky gate moans like a wounded animal each night, intensifying as an actual beast arrives.
The protagonist notices muddy footprints leading to the locked basement, pointing to an intruder living below.
A rusted scythe found in the barn preludes a spirit or killer using it.
Blood-colored candles mysteriously appear in the chapel, predicting a ritual-based climax.
The locked greenhouse’s shattered windows each morning reveal something enters nightly.
The caretaker sees shifting shadows at dawn, hinting the ghosts fade with the rising sun.
Old diaries refer to a “tooth witch,” preluding actual discovered piles of human teeth.
A cameo cameo: The hero’s reflection in the window shows a figure behind them that isn’t there in real life.
Creaking floorboards line a path to the attic each night, preluding a chase scene up there.
The caretaker notices an odor of sulfur, suggesting a demonic presence or black magic.
A well-intentioned neighbor’s mild nosebleeds occur only near the back fence, suggesting a hidden evil.
Children’s old drawings of a monstrous grin match a shape glimpsed in the fireplace.
An old phonograph turns on by itself at random times, eventually playing a final, horrifying message.

Romance Examples of Foreshadowing

Glances, private jokes, or symbolic gestures hint at blossoming (or disastrous) love — these are the goopy, love-struck ingredients that make up foreshadowing examples in Romance.

Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) — Darcy’s aloofness and Elizabeth’s prejudice foreshadow both tension and eventual deep affection.
Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë) — Rochester’s secret injuries and moody nature hint at the hidden wife scenario that shakes their relationship.
The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks) — An older man reading a story to a woman preludes the reveal that they’re the same couple in that story.
Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare) — The prologue outright labels them “star-crossed lovers,” revealing tragic destiny.
Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen) — Marianne’s naive romantic ideals presage her heartbreak when Willoughby deserts her.
A fleeting touch of hands between co-workers preludes their deepening relationship.
A fortune cookie says, “Your heart’s path is rocky but ends in warmth,” implying a love arc with turmoil.
The heroine hums a certain tune that the hero is found playing on piano miles away, suggesting their synchronicity.
“I hate you so much it’s almost love,” jokes a character, preluding an enemies-to-lovers trope.
An unclaimed wedding band found on the beach reappears whenever the two leads quarrel.
They keep missing each other by moments, building tension until their first real meeting.
The meddling friend jokes, “You two argue like you’re married,” setting up a comedic eventual marriage.
A traveling psychic sees both leads and smirks, “Your destinies are bound,” preluding a fateful bond.
The family dog instantly adores the new neighbor, preluding acceptance of them as a future partner.
They order the same coffee daily without knowing, hinting at shared tastes.
The hero’s sibling teases, “You always talk about them,” foreshadowing the hero’s denial of obvious feelings.
The older generation discreetly sets a table for two, preluding romance during a picnic.
They unexpectedly dance in the rain once, preluding a final romantic confession in a rain-soaked scene.
The comedic friend warns, “Don’t make me plan the wedding,” ironically referencing an actual future wedding.
An overheard conversation about “stars aligning” preludes their meeting under a starry night.
The hero’s mother passes down a ring that “glows for true love,” preluding it shining when the leads unite.
A mutual friend’s repeated sly winks whenever they argued set the stage for a big reveal of shared feelings.
The postman confuses their mail, leading them to connect over a lost letter.
The carefree character’s statement, “I’ll never settle,” preludes them finding the one person who changes that.
They both volunteer in the same soup kitchen on different days, leading to a fateful meeting.
The fatherly figure scolds them for always bickering, ironically hinting they’ll fall for each other.
The hero finds an old locket with two silhouettes that vaguely match the leads, suggesting destiny.
The teacher pairs them up in a random project, ironically forcing them to bond.
A friend jokes, “If you two were the last people on Earth…” preluding them being stranded or forced together.
The love interest’s fleeting mention of not liking big cities foreshadows conflict if the hero is city-bound.
They share a comedic bet about “never dating each other,” preluding a comedic route to romance.
An older relative comments, “Real love starts with a spark,” hinting at lightning or fireworks that eventually appear.
They rescue each other from small mishaps, building a pattern of mutual care that sets up the ultimate rescue.
The leads pass a wedding in progress, exchanging glances that suggest they imagine themselves there.
One randomly tries to knit a scarf but can’t finish, preluding the other finishing it as a sweet gesture.
The best friend keeps dropping hints that “someone here is pining,” preluding a confession.
Parents encourage them to look after each other on a trip, preluding forced closeness.
The carnival fortune machine prints a ticket reading, “Your heart is not alone,” ironically referencing the other lead.
The comedic coworker says, “I see how you look at them,” preluding a slow-burn love realization.
The one seat left on the bus next to them preludes a conversation that sparks romance.
The local coffee shop barista remarks, “I always see you both waiting in line,” acknowledging their daily routine.
The hero’s ring from an ex never fits right, preluding them giving it up when real love comes.
The teacher’s assignment about “the greatest love story” ironically parallels the leads’ blossoming story.
Their comedic argument about wedding music preludes them ironically deciding on that exact piece at their wedding.
An older neighbor’s story of a youthful love hints that the leads will mirror that journey.
They almost say “I love you” by accident, giving away deeper feelings.
The orchard caretaker remarks, “Fruit only ripens when tended,” implying the relationship needs gentle care.
A movie scene about a big romantic gesture resonates with the hero, preluding a grand gesture of their own.
The best friend’s sly comment, “You’ll regret not telling them,” preludes a confession at the last minute.
They argue fiercely, only for lightning to strike and push them into each other’s arms, foreshadowing a comedic realization of love.

Historical Fiction Examples of Foreshadowing

Historical narratives rely on small details and subtle hints to prepare the reader for large-scale conflicts or dramatic shifts.

Here are 50 foreshadowing examples from the historical fiction genre:

War and Peace (Leo Tolstoy) – Rumors of Napoleon’s push foreshadow its sweeping effect on Russian high society.
Gone with the Wind (Margaret Mitchell) – The South’s overconfidence preludes the devastating outcome for Scarlett and her people.
The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett) – Mentions of the prior earl’s downfall hint at ongoing power struggles in Kingsbridge.
A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens) – Repeated references to rising discontent among the poor signal the French Revolution’s outbreak.
The Book Thief (Markus Zusak) – Death, as the narrator, occasionally hints at each character’s eventual fate.
A half-burnt letter from the king reveals unrest in the northern provinces, foreshadowing a looming civil war.
The harvest failing in a southern estate preludes the food riots that ignite local rebellion.
Local talk of a “new spinning machine” quietly suggests the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.
A traveling bard’s ballad about “red banners on the horizon” warns of an upcoming uprising.
A minor noble joking, “What if peasants stormed these walls?” ironically foreshadows an actual siege.
During a lavish banquet, a single seat remains conspicuously empty, hinting at the sudden absence of a key figure.
A scrawled message in the parish records about “unpaid tithes” foreshadows financial tensions stirring revolt.
The blacksmith’s repeated forging of too many swords suggests a covert call to arms in the region.
A short mention of “plague sightings near the port” preludes a devastating epidemic.
A merchant’s casual gripe over crippling taxes foreshadows a tax revolt that engulfs the town.
The old fortress gates squeak with rust, hinting they’ll fail during an eventual enemy assault.
A father’s war stories about advanced siege tactics hint that a similar approach will overrun their city.
A traveling peddler’s gossip about “distant cannons” preludes a new warfare style hitting the kingdom.
A half-ignored rumor that “the exiled lord might return” sets up a shocking reclamation of power.
A playful argument over “grain storage” suggests an impending famine or shortage that changes everything.
A local wise woman’s dream of “fields turning red” preludes a bloody battle on farmland.
A mention of “unstable dam upstream” hints at a catastrophic flood that will change the war’s course.
The stable hand jokes about “horses running wild one day,” preluding a cavalry stampede in battle.
An old map with a circled mountainous region preludes the climactic ambush or final stand.
A passing monk’s warning that “kings fall to their own hubris” signals the ruler’s downfall.
The caretaker notices stray shipments of steel arriving nightly, foreshadowing secret weapon stockpiling.
A fatherly figure remarks, “Desperate men do desperate deeds,” preludes betrayal among allies.
An orchard’s fruits rot without explanation, paralleling the slow moral rot that sparks civil upheaval.
A local ballad about a “curse on the crown” preludes the royal family’s tragic unraveling.
Merchants whisper about rising war costs, hinting at a shift in alliances when gold runs out.
A battered refugee arrives with news of an invading empire, foreshadowing the empire’s march into local territories.
Lanterns flicker out early every night in the castle courtyard, suggesting sabotage before the big siege.
The reigning baron’s offhand scolding of a dismissed servant who “knows too many secrets” hints at that servant’s potential revenge.
A mother hushes her children from singing an old rebel tune, foreshadowing the revival of a rebel cause.
Soldiers stationed at the border see suspicious lights, preluding an invasion at dawn.
The caretaker’s remark, “We’re ignoring the cracks in these walls,” foreshadows a literal breach during an enemy attack.
A printing press rumored to churn out seditious leaflets set up a wave of revolutionary pamphlets.
The earl’s hush-hush exit from a council meeting hints he’s orchestrating a coup.
At a country fair, a fortune-teller declares, “You’ll harvest sorrow,” preluding a drought or war-caused famine.
An advisor remarks, “If that stronghold fell once, it can fall again,” signaling an impending siege.
A spy mentions “unusually high shipments of saltpeter,” hinting at massive gunpowder stockpiles.
Church bells ringing at odd hours signify disorder, preluding a religious or civil uprising.
An aging officer warns, “We saw them use new cannons,” hinting at advanced weaponry on the horizon.
Ominous chanting at the city gates reveals unrest that will soon trigger a revolt.
An overseas merchant announces, “We lost our trade routes,” preluding economic collapse fueling conflict.
The queen’s cryptic nightmares about a “fallen throne” foreshadow her dethronement.
A single crow circling the palace each morning suggests bad luck for the monarchy.
An aging knight’s slip about “the rightful heir” hints at a hidden claimant to the throne.
A half-finished tapestry depicting an ominous battle scene foreshadows unstoppable conflict.
Children chanting a rhyme about “the day the king lost his head” preludes a revolution that topples the monarch.

Coming-of-Age / Young Adult Examples of Foreshadowing

Stories of growing up often use small hints that signal future change, love, or conflict. Check out these foreshadowing examples, perfect for coming-of-age narratives.

The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) – Holden’s repeated use of “phoniness” hints he’ll reject adult norms.
To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee) – Jem’s broken arm mentioned early sets the stage for a violent turning point.
The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton) – Johnny’s nervousness around the Socs foreshadows a deadly confrontation.
Speak (Laurie Halse Anderson) – Melinda’s refusal to discuss a party hints at deep-seated trauma.
Eleanor & Park (Rainbow Rowell) – Eleanor’s troubled home life signals the tough decisions she must eventually make.
The guidance counselor’s repeated prying questions about home life foreshadow deeper family issues emerging.
The protagonist’s bike chain snapping symbolizes a break from childhood stability.
A teacher’s note, “Study life, not just books,” hints that real lessons lie beyond the classroom.
Friends teasing that the quiet kid “will snap one day” sets up the moment they finally stand up for themselves.
A comment about “that party last year” hints at a major reveal about a friend’s betrayal.
A best friend’s confession of a forged signature preludes a dangerous secret endangering them both.
A neighbor’s remark, “These kids are more grown than they think,” hints at premature maturity and upcoming conflict.
An assignment to write about personal fears foreshadows the protagonist confronting those fears head-on.
A sibling’s offhand, “You’ll never leave this small town,” hints at a burning desire to escape.
Nearly fumbling at a pep rally foreshadows a critical moment that tests the star athlete’s confidence.
An unusually busy nurse’s office hints at brewing mental health crises among students.
A shy peer’s doodles of winged horses foreshadow an eventual leap toward a big dream or scholarship.
The discovery of an old acceptance letter in a sibling’s desk hints at a future academic ambition.
A friend’s joke, “You two are so different, you’ll never get along,” ironically hints at an inevitable bond.
A parent’s cryptic “We do what’s best for you” signals an impending life-altering decision.
The teacher noticing the protagonist’s after-school routine hints at a personal crisis soon to be revealed.
A friend’s heartbreak story warns of a similar fate for the protagonist.
A poster about studying abroad captures the protagonist’s attention, hinting at a rebellious gap year.
An older sibling’s meltdown sets the stage for the younger sibling to face similar stress.
Rumors of a scholarship that “takes kids away from here” foreshadow internal conflict about leaving home.
Casual references to friends drifting apart hint at an impending fracture in the friend group.
The principal’s remark, “High school changes everyone,” foreshadows transformative events.
A friend’s complaint about an absent parent hints at future confrontations about abandonment.
An extra credit opportunity for volunteer work foreshadows a life-changing mentorship.
A cautionary remark, “Don’t make me plan the wedding,” hints at a toxic relationship that may form.
The star student’s subtle stress signals a buildup to a major breakdown.
A peer’s cynical comment about dreams coming true sets up an ironic triumph.
Discovering a forgotten box of childhood mementos foreshadows rediscovering a lost passion.
The band director’s complaint that “nobody commits fully” sets up the hero stepping up as a leader.
An invitation from a traveling neighbor hints at an adventurous break from routine.
Mention of a notorious prank from the previous year foreshadows an even bigger fiasco.
The hero’s father’s near-success in music foreshadows the hero picking up that dream.
A stray dog bonding with the protagonist hints at the need for loyal companionship in tough times.
A friend warns, “High school heartbreak is the worst,” foreshadowing a major romantic blow.
A teacher gives the protagonist a book on self-discovery, hinting that its lessons will soon prove vital.
A friend confiding, “Home doesn’t feel safe,” foreshadows domestic troubles emerging.
The class president’s joke about “leading a revolution” hints at a future student protest.
The protagonist’s recurring déjà vu near the principal’s office signals impending important news.
A younger sibling’s plea, “Will you protect me forever?” foreshadows a moral dilemma to come.
Teasing about excessive library time hints at a future breakthrough through research.
A near car accident after a party warns of the consequences of teenage recklessness.
An older cousin’s remark, “I left and never looked back,” hints that the hero will eventually do the same.
The track coach’s words, “One misstep can cost everything,” signal an upcoming critical slip.
Cafeteria staff noticing the hero skipping meals foreshadow emerging financial or emotional stress.
A teacher’s parting speech, “Some of you will find your voice,” foreshadows a climactic act of self-expression.

Action/Adventure Examples of Foreshadowing

Action-packed stories rely on subtle hints and overt clues that build up to breathtaking chases, battles, and daring escapes.

Take these 50 foreshadowing examples, for instance:

Raiders of the Lost Ark (Indiana Jones) – Indy’s snake phobia sets up the iconic snake pit.
Mission: Impossible (Film Series) – Brief glimpses of realistic masks foreshadow the disguise trick.
The Mummy (1999) – Jokes about reading curses hint at unleashing a vengeful mummy.
Die Hard (1988) – McClane’s barefoot remark foreshadows the peril of broken glass.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Furiosa’s longing for the “Green Place” prefigures its eventual loss.
The hero jokes about “allergy to bullets,” foreshadowing a near-fatal bullet graze.
A high-tech grappling hook mentioned during gear check hints at its use in a rooftop chase.
Noticing an unused smoke bomb in the arsenal preludes its pivotal role in the finale.
A pilot’s offhand comment on “warp drift” sets up a catastrophic malfunction in space travel.
A bartender warns, “Never trust a smiling assassin,” foreshadowing betrayal by a charming ally.
The hero points out a weak spot in the fortress, hinting it will be exploited during the final assault.
The sidekick’s lockpicking skill becomes essential when encountering a sealed door.
Finding a bullet casing on the hero’s doorstep hints that a sniper is targeting them.
An overheard remark about a “traitor in the agency” prefigures a shocking double agent reveal.
The hero’s phone alarm constantly ringing at 5 AM hints at the scheduled start of a rescue mission.
An advanced listening device introduced in a briefing foreshadows the hero overhearing a crucial conversation.
A friend boasts about scaling a 20-story building, hinting they will later climb a skyscraper to defuse a bomb.
Mention of a specialized bullet that pierces armor prefigures its critical use against a shielded foe.
Rumors of a city power grid glitch hint at a planned blackout for a major heist.
The hero’s father’s old journal detailing stealth tactics foreshadows its use during an infiltration.
A disgruntled ex-general complains about an “unstoppable cavalry,” hinting at an unexpected charge.
The local mechanic upgrades the hero’s bike, foreshadowing a high-speed pursuit.
A dismissed bulletproof vest later proves lifesaving in a shootout.
A casual parachute trial hints at a real emergency plane jump scenario.
The hero references a single bullet found earlier, linking it to the main villain’s weapon.
An arms dealer’s description of a heat-seeking arrow hints at its use in a future chase.
A pilot’s lament about “one engine failure” prefigures that very malfunction mid-flight.
Blueprints highlighting a single ventilation shaft hint at the infiltration route through a fort.
The villain casually flips a coin, hinting that a crucial hostage decision will be made by chance.
Comments about “armored horses” foreshadow an unexpected cavalry charge.
A note stating “We have only four escape pods” warns of a looming crisis forcing a scramble.
The hero’s recurring fear of heights prefigures a cliffside showdown where they must conquer that fear.
A detective’s remark about a bullet’s unique markings hints at identifying the culprit.
A glance at a museum artifact suggests it will later serve as an improvised weapon.
A new recruit’s emphasis on “no room for error” hints at an upcoming near-fatal mistake.
The sidekick’s complaint about an old shoulder injury foreshadows it flaring up during a fight.
Jokes about a deserted highway set the stage for a final, high-speed chase along that route.
The hero’s flamboyant practice move prefigures their signature tactic in the final showdown.
Mention of an “unstoppable bulldozer” hints it will be used to break through a barrier or rescue the team.
The commander’s comment about being short on parachutes foreshadows a tense midair scramble.
A friend’s remark, “We always do these missions at dawn,” foreshadows an assault at sunrise.
The detective spots bullet holes from a previous encounter, hinting at a recurring enemy.
A station clerk’s grumble about “unsecured grenades” foreshadows an explosive chain reaction.
The hero’s well-used lockpick set hints it will be critical for escaping a locked room.
A gambler’s casual card flip hints at a final code or bet that decides a hostage’s fate.
An old, seldom-used infiltration route prefigures the hero sneaking in that very way.
A friend’s joke about “never getting kidnapped again” ironically foreshadows a real abduction.
A jammed elevator at headquarters hints at a vertical chase or escape.
Observations of a watchtower that “never sleeps” set up a midnight infiltration scenario.
The hero’s final line in the prologue, “I’m done running,” foreshadows them standing their ground in the climax.

Children’s/Family Examples of Foreshadowing

Whimsical hints and gentle omens in children’s and family stories prepare readers for magical adventures and valuable lessons.

Here are foreshadowing examples in this genre:

Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White) – Charlotte’s promise to help Wilbur hints at her miraculous plan revealed through her web.
Matilda (Roald Dahl) – Early flickers of Matilda’s telekinetic powers foreshadow her eventual grand display of strength.
The Lion King (Disney) – Mufasa’s lessons about the “circle of life” prepare us for Simba’s eventual return to the throne.
Coraline (Neil Gaiman) – The mysterious locked door hints at the eerie other world waiting to be discovered.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis) – Lucy’s repeated trips to the wardrobe foreshadow her siblings’ discovery of Narnia.
A teddy bear’s missing eye near the attic door suggests a hidden realm or playful spirit is present.
The family dog growls only at a specific backyard tree, hinting that the tree is enchanted.
Grandpa’s bedtime tale of a “lost rainbow gem” foreshadows the kids uncovering a real magical gem.
Mom warns, “Never cross the old fence,” signaling an upcoming adventure beyond it.
The toy chest rattles mysteriously at night, hinting that the toys might be alive or enchanted.
A teacher remarks on a child’s vivid drawings of winged horses, hinting they will encounter a real pegasus.
Dad’s old trunk, adorned with “Mystic Mountain” stickers, hints at a surprise family trip there.
A cat meows persistently at the hall closet, suggesting something magical hides within.
A remark about milk going sour every Tuesday hints at a mischievous spirit’s weekly visit.
The older sibling’s anxious glance at the full moon foreshadows a moment of transformation.
A child’s lullaby about “the sea singing at night” hints at an encounter with ocean spirits.
The orchard caretaker’s warning, “Don’t pick the golden apple,” hints at its magical, protective power.
Dancing lights outside the window at dusk foreshadow friendly, unseen spirits.
Rumors that “the basement door leads to a hidden kingdom” set up a future adventure into a secret realm.
Dad’s gentle admonition, “No talking to imaginary friends in public,” hints that the imaginary friend might be real.
A teacher casually remarks, “You have the sweetest voice,” foreshadowing that the child will later use it to calm a troubled creature.
A lonely crow perched on the school fence whenever the child daydreams hints at an omen or guiding spirit.
The library clock chiming thirteen times at midnight foreshadows a secret, magical library dimension.
An old rocking horse that mysteriously moves on its own hints at enchanted toys in the house.
A new neighbor’s tune, identical to the grandmother’s, suggests a hidden family connection.
A faint image of a castle in the background of a family portrait hints at a long-lost ancestral home.
The caretaker’s hushed mention of “strange sounds in the attic” hints at a playful ghost.
A spilled jar of glittering confetti every morning hints at tiny fairies visiting at night.
An old telescope in the hallway, frequently used by a sibling, hints at a secret passion for stargazing.
A closed sweet shop in town foreshadows that it was once run by a kind, magical candy witch.
An ancient chalkboard in the playroom writes messages on its own, hinting at a helpful spirit trying to communicate.
Rumors of “moonberries” that appear only under a full moon hint that they are key to breaking a family curse.
A child sees their reflection waving from a pond, suggesting a water sprite’s gentle greeting.
A faint glow on a dog’s collar near an old well hints that the well holds enchanted water.
A father’s repeated phrase, “Seek the hidden path,” foreshadows the child discovering a secret trail.
A teacher’s assignment on “secret places” leads the child to find a hidden treehouse.
A single gold leaf swirling in the yard hints at a living autumn spirit.
The caretaker’s complaint about unexplained footprints on the rooftop hints at a friendly dragon’s nightly visits.
Consistent drawings by the child of an extra, invisible friend hint at a real magical companion.
An old rumor, “Grandpa once saw fairies,” hints that the child will soon verify their existence.
The antique cuckoo clock chimes irregularly, hinting at a portal to a magical realm.
Local children playing “King and Queen” foreshadow the crowning of a future magical leader among them.
A faint paw print on the child’s pillow hints at visits from a protective, mythical creature.
A small ring from the mother’s jewelry box that perfectly fits the child hints at its magical significance.
The caretaker’s warning, “The orchard’s scarecrow is no toy,” foreshadows the scarecrow coming to life.
A playful breeze tugging at the child’s hair as they approach the woods hints at an urging from the forest spirit.
A dozing cat staring intently at an empty corner hints that it sees an unseen spirit.
Faded pages of an old spell book discovered by siblings hint at an ancient magic soon to be reawakened.
The caretaker’s quiet comment about “night music in the attic” foreshadows enchanted instruments waiting to be played.
Every time the child draws a rainbow, actual rain droplets appear outside, hinting at the child’s latent power to affect weather.

Here is a great video with even more foreshadowing examples:

YouTube Video by Studiobinder — Foreshadowing Examples

Final Thoughts: Foreshadowing Examples

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