Why is the flashback essential to the story initiation?

The flashback is essential to the story initiation as it provides crucial context and background information that shapes the characters' motivations and the plot's direction. By revealing past events, the flashback establishes the emotional stakes and conflicts that drive the narrative forward. It helps the audience understand the present circumstances and the characters' relationships, creating a deeper connection to the story. Without this context, the significance of current events may remain unclear, hindering audience engagement.