What effect do flashbacks typically have on storytelling?

Flashbacks are narrative devices that allow the reader to revisit past events that are relevant to the characters or plot. By incorporating flashbacks into a story, authors can provide crucial background information that enhances the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations, relationships, and the context of the current events. This technique enriches the narrative by deepening the audience's connection to the characters and the story's emotional weight. Through flashbacks, readers gain insights that might not be conveyed through the main storyline alone, making the overall narrative more engaging and complete.