Flashbacks

ByKerry Murphy

A flashback is a narrative device that takes readers back in time to reveal essential information about characters or events that influence the present story. To signal a flashback, we often use the past perfect tense, which combines “had” with a past participle.

  • Examples:
    • “She’d been here once before, remembering the laughter that filled the room.”
    • “He’d always thought of that day as a turning point in his life.”

Pros:

  • Depth: Flashbacks can enrich character development by providing backstory.
  • Context: They help readers understand the motivations behind a character’s actions.
  • Suspense: A well-placed flashback can heighten tension, revealing secrets that affect the present.

Cons:

  • Disruption: Flashbacks can pull readers out of the current narrative, affecting pacing.
  • Overuse: Too many flashbacks may confuse readers or dilute the story’s momentum.
  • Clarity: If not written clearly, flashbacks can leave readers puzzled about the timeline.

Types of Flashbacks

While there are many types of flashbacks, here are the top three commonly used in fiction:

  • Narrative Flashback: Complete scenes that provide critical context and drive the plot forward.
  • Memory Flashback: Brief, emotional snippets that offer insights into a character’s inner world.
  • Dream Sequence: Surreal or symbolic visions that reveal a character’s fears, desires, or conflicts.

The Sandwich Method

The sandwich method is a straightforward way to structure your flashback:

  1. Top Slice (Past Perfect): Start with a sentence in past perfect to signal the flashback (e.g., “She’d forgotten how warm it felt…”).
  2. Filling (Mix of Past Tenses): Use a combination of past tenses to narrate the flashback’s action.
  3. Bottom Slice (Return to Present): Conclude the flashback and shift back to the present narrative.

final thoughts

Before diving into a flashback, ask yourself: Does this truly enhance my story? If you can convey the necessary information through dialogue or action, consider doing that instead. Flashbacks are powerful tools, but like all tools, they require careful handling!