Foreshadowing in the Harry Potter series - Philosopher's Stone

[jocundasykes]

Whether you're a meticulous plotter or a discovery writer, it's wise to consider the skills, tools, and settings that your protagonist and his sidekicks will require for the end of the story. Equally important is understanding the role of the antagonists/contagonists/antagonistic force, and when their plans should be introduced.

Since we've all read it, let's delve into the world of Harry Potter to illustrate these concepts. I'm doing a re-read right now, and am partway through CoS. I found that the majority of what Harry, Ron and Hermione need for a book's climax is foreshadowed within the same book. It is unlikely that Rowling "forgot" about these elements in earlier books; rather, she strategically incorporated foreshadowing and breadcrumbs to satisfy the casual reader's desire for a cohesive story arc. This approach allows readers to make connections, anticipate developments, and feel rewarded when their observations and predictions align with the narrative. Or, if you're a bit slow like me, to feel rewarded upon subsequent re-read. Whilst there are a few exceptions such as the diadem hiding place in book 6, Slytherin's locket in book 5, the rest are little Easter eggs such as the vanishing cabinet and Draco's murderous necklace cropping up in book 2.

Introduction	Conclusion
The Ministry always wants Dumbledore’s advice - CH5	The Ministry calls Dumbledore away - CH16
HP visits Gringotts in CH5, we learn of break-in in CH6	In CH8, HP learns it was the same day he was in London
Nicolas Flamel is revealed on Choc Frog card - CH6	Neville gives HP the same card - CH13
Ron says Bertie Bott’s beans can be grim - CH6	Dumbledore eats an earwax bean - CH17
Ron tells HP that Charlie studies dragons in CH6, in CH8 Hagrid and Ron discuss this again in case we forgot.	CH14 we get rid of Norbert via Charlie
Fred and George offer to post Ginny a toilet seat - CH6	Fred and George gift HP a toilet seat - CH17
Slytherin have won the House Cup 6 years running - CH7	Gryffindor win the Cup - CH17
Quirrell is at the Leaky Cauldron in CH5, and HP’s scar burns when Snape ‘looked past Quirrell’s turban straight into HP’s eyes’ in CH7. Snape threatens Quirrell in CH13	Snape is revealed as the contagonist, and Quirrellmort the antagonist - CH17
‘the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death’ - CH7	They visit the corridor LOL - CH9
The Forbidden Forest is out of bounds and contains dangerous creatures - CH7	Detention in the Forest - CH15
HP aces his flying lesson - CH9	HP needs to catch the flying key - CH16
Hermione tries to convince Ron and HP not to wander the school - CH9	Neville says the same to them - CH16
We meet a mountain troll - CH10	Quirrell knocked one out - CH16
Wizard’s chess - CH12	Wizard’s chess - CH16
HP gets an Invisibility Cloak - CH12	The trio need it - CH16
HP gets a flute - CH12	The trio need it - CH16
HP finds the Mirror of Erised - CH12	It’s Dumbledore’s Stone trial - CH17

So, whether you choose to meticulously plan your story or embrace the journey of discovery, it is worth considering how elements such as character skills, tools, and settings can be introduced and developed within the same book or fic. Thoughtful foreshadowing and well-placed hints can enhance the reader's engagement and contribute to a fulfilling storytelling experience. And it's super fun to do!