Question

Read the beginning of Trevor’s narrative.

Thinking back on that afternoon, I knew then that my best friend was keeping something from me. If I thought about it—I mean, really thought about it—there had been other signs. They may have been subtle, but they had been there, nonetheless.

Trevor decides not to tell his story in chronological order. What is the most likely reason Trevor chose to begin his story in this way?

to eliminate the need to include events that occurred before this statement
to clarify potential confusion for the reader by clearly stating the conflict
to capture the reader’s attention by creating suspense about his best friend
to explain why he no longer trusts the words and actions of his best friend

Answer 1

to capture the reader’s attention by creating suspense about his best friend

Starting with a retrospective, non-chronological remark about a secret immediately raises questions and hooks the reader, promising a reveal later and creating suspense.