In "1984" what purpose do the flashbacks throughout the novel serve? Why did Orwell include them?

The
flashbacks serve several important functions in the novel.  One of them is to provide relevant
background information on the character of; it helps to flesh out his character, and it helps
the reader to feel a more personal and invested interest in who he is.  When we learn about his
family, his mother and sister, and their lives together, we can understand more fully where
Winston is coming from.  We understand his character and personality more, and it makes him more
of a rounded, complete character.  The more you know about a person, the more you tend to be
invested in them.  So, that is one purpose, to help us to...