The chronological story telling helps to develop the characters from a normal group of people into whom they would become throughout an ‘end of the world’ type event. We see many people turn from being normal, kind citizens into people blinded by their fear, accepting religious idea they may not have before, pointing blame on others and lashing out at them in hatred. Mrs. Carmody’s early rantings and prejudices foreshadow the dictatorial religious preacher she would become later in the movie. David’s willingness to help others and his displays of kindness and strength foreshadow his future dedication towards leading others to rescue.