Final answer:
Alexia's flashback about her brother likely serves to deepen character insight, establish an emotional connection, and reveal significant backstory that enriches the narrative and character development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely reason the author includes Alexia's flashback about her brother in the passage is to provide deeper insight into her character and motives, allowing the reader to establish an emotional connection with her and to understand her actions within the story's context. Flashbacks can reveal significant backstory elements, contribute to the story's emotional depth, and highlight the internal conflicts of characters. Including Alexia's flashback could be aimed at enriching the narrative through thematic layers, such as the impact of family on personal development or the lingering influence of past events on present decisions. This technique enhances the reader's understanding of the protagonist while also employing literary devices like fragmented narration and dramatic tension to drive the story forward.
These elements are all essential in constructing the protagonist's world and giving it depth and resonance for the reader. They also serve to create a more immersive story and can provide a form of character development that is shown rather than told, making the narrative more compelling and engaging.