An author would include a flashback as an element of nonlinear plot development in a story to:
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Provide Context: Flashbacks can give readers important background information about a character's past or significant events that shape the current story, helping to explain motivations and emotions.
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Create Suspense or Tension: By revealing key pieces of information from the past at strategic moments, an author can build suspense, allowing the reader to piece together how past events may impact the present.
These elements enhance the narrative by deepening character development and enriching the storyline.