This article examines the retrospective plot as a narrative device in prose, focusing on its structural and psychological functions. Retrospection allows authors to reconstruct the past, reveal the inner world of characters, and establish a deeper connection between temporal layers of the narrative. The study explores how the use of flashbacks and memory sequences contributes to the unity of composition, character development, and the reader’s perception of time. Special attention is given to the role of retrospection in shaping the artistic integrity and emotional depth of modern prose.