California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

Manipulation of time in a narrative primarily serves to create suspense and tension. By altering the sequence of events, such as using flashbacks or foreshadowing, the author can control the pacing and reveal information at strategically significant moments. This technique allows readers to engage with the story on a deeper level, as they anticipate future developments or piece together past events. It heightens emotional investment and keeps the audience on edge, as they are drawn into the unfolding drama.

While other options like character development, clarifying the setting, and summarizing events are also important aspects of narrative construction, they do not share the same primary focus on the tension and suspense that time manipulation can evoke. In contrast, the urgency and unpredictability that come from manipulating time are crucial for maintaining narrative momentum and keeping readers eager to find out what happens next.