What role do the shapes in a flowchart play?

In a flowchart, shapes represent different types of actions or steps in a process. For instance, ovals typically indicate the start and end points, rectangles signify process steps or tasks, diamonds denote decision points, and arrows illustrate the flow of the process. This visual representation helps users easily understand the sequence and relationships between different parts of the process. Overall, the shapes enhance clarity and communication of complex workflows.