Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

Chick 1 says:

Welcome back to Troperiffic Tuesday!  This week we’re looking at one of the basic tenets of storytelling, Chekhov’s Gun.  The trope is based on a principle espoused by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov.  Chekhov said it a variety of ways but it comes down to this, “If you have a gun on stage, it better go off before the end of the play.”

Chekhov’s Gun falls under the Law of Conservation of Detail which teaches writers to make every word, every bit of dialogue count.  If it doesn’t drive the story, don’t waste your precious time with it.  In movies you only have 90-120 minutes to tell a story, on TV only 22-43 minutes so every detail has to count.  Don’t introduce any element that distracts from the story.

The trope isn’t limited to guns or weapons.  In fact it’s created a variety of subgenres like Chekhov’s Skills and Chekhov’s Joke.  Chekhov’s Gun can also create Foreshadowing.  The opposite of Chekhov’s Gun is the Red Herring, an item or character introduced to fool the audience into thinking the story is going one way when it’s really going another. 

Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg are masters of Conservation of Detail and as a result, masters at using Chekhov’s Gun.  In both Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz,  there are dozens of details that come back into play later in the movie like the swan that Sgt Angel chases through out Hot Fuzz.  The swan is a symbol of Angel’s frustration with his new quiet country life but it’s the swan that actually deals the final blow to the bad guy.

J.K. Rowling uses this trope almost to a fault.  By the 3rd or 4th  Harry Potter book/movie, the audience began to expect that whatever spell the trio learned in class would be crucial to defeating Voldemort at the  end.  What was great about this method is that learning the spells served several purposes.  First, it added to feel of the young wizards being at school but with a whimsical element.  Second, while the kids were studying they were also often passing on exposition to the audience while they were chatting.  And finally, Rowling was setting them up with the skills they’d need for the big finale.

Other Chekhov’s Guns include the Omega-13 in Galaxy Quest, Marion’s drinking skills in Raiders, and Tony’s first chest piece in Iron Man.  Slumdog Millionaire was one long set of Chekhov’s Guns as each episode of  Jamal’s life gives him what he needs for the game show. 

 And don’t forget ”No capes!” in The Incredibles.  Here’s proof that a good fashion designer can save your life!

Posted on by Chick 1 in Tropes 48,316 Comments

48,316 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

  1. Situs Slot Online Maxwin

    obviously like your website but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts.

    Several of them are rife with spelling issues and
    I in finding it very bothersome to tell the truth then again I’ll definitely come back again.

  2. www.youtube.com

    Тhe Salt Trick isn’t just another trend—it’s gaining attention for its science-bacкed benefitѕ!
    By enhancing blood ⅽirculation and boosting nitric oxide
    levels, thіs eaѕy technique has been linked to іmproved ѵitalіty, performance, and cоnfidence.

    Peгfect for use in the showeг or as part of your nighttime routine, the results аre
    mаking waves.

    Is the salt trick fοr men – http://www.youtube.com – Trick Reɑⅼ or Just Hype?

    While skeptics question its validity, recent studies and a growing number of testimonials are bringing this ancіent practice into the spotlight.
    See how modern science is uncoѵerіng its hiⅾden potential.

  3. Comprar carta de Condução da Categoria C

    One Key Trick Everybody Should Know The One Buy Category B1 Driving
    License Trick Every Person Should Know Comprar carta de Condução da Categoria C

  4. cannabis

    of course like your web site but you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts.
    Many of them are rife with spelling problems
    and I find it very bothersome to inform the reality then again I will definitely come back again.

  5. facebook downloader video

    It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that
    you simply shared this helpful information with us.

    Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  6. Tollywood Collection

    Good day very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent ..

    Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also?

    I am glad to search out a lot of useful information right
    here within the post, we’d like develop extra techniques on this regard,
    thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  7. Slim Belly Tonic

    Well-written and insightful! Your points are spot on, and I found the information very useful. Keep up the great work!

  8. theterritorian.com.au

    Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no backup.
    Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?

  9. Tollywood Box Office

    First of all I would like to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to
    ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center
    yourself and clear your head prior to writing. I’ve had a tough time
    clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.

    I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10
    to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
    Cheers!

  10. go to my blog

    each time i used to read smaller posts that also clear their motive,
    and that is also happening with this post which I am reading at this place.

  11. coffe suprim

    Great post.

  12. Quantum X

    I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put
    in penning this website. I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade content by you later on as well.
    In fact, your creative writing abilities has
    inspired me to get my own, personal blog now ;)

  13. reference

    Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I
    guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new
    to everything. Do you have any suggestions for rookie blog writers?
    I’d really appreciate it.

  14. pallet near Me

    What’s The Job Market For Pallet Near Me Professionals?
    pallet near Me

  15. Treadmill home gym

    See What Treadmill Home Gym Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use Of Treadmill home gym

  16. как зарегистрироваться на сайте кракен

    Hi there to every one, the contents existing at this web page are in fact
    amazing for people knowledge, well, keep up the good work fellows.

  17. reference

    Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
    Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  18. about me

    I constantly spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s posts every day along with a cup of coffee.

  19. Tollywood Collection

    Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways,
    just wanted to say superb blog!

  20. لوازم یدکی خودرو

    Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme
    of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times
    it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appearance.
    I must say you’ve done a amazing job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Opera.
    Outstanding Blog!

  21. new online casinos

    This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.
    Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  22. gay porn

    Every weekend i used to go to see this site, as i want enjoyment, since this this web page conations truly fastidious funny material too.

  23. mozillabd.science

    The 10 Worst Buy French Driving License Fails Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented acheter un permis de conduire Maintenant (mozillabd.science)

  24. web site

    Tһe Salt Trick isn’t just anothеr trend—it’s gaining attention fօr
    its science-backed benefits! By enhancing blood circulаtіon and boosting nitric oхide levels, this easy teⅽhniquе has been linked to improved vitalitу,
    performancе, and confіdence. Perfect for use
    in the shower oг as part of үour nighttіme routine,
    the results arе making waves.

    Is the Salt Triϲк Real or Just Hype?

    While skeptics questiоn its validitʏ, recent studies and a
    gгⲟwing number of testimonials are bringing this ancient pгаctice into the sρotligһt.

    See how modern science is uncovering its hidden potential.

    Have ɑ look at my webpage :: web site

  25. iraqians.com

    You are so cool! I don’t think I have read through a single thing like that before.
    So great to find someone with a few original thoughts on this subject.
    Really.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something that
    is required on the internet, someone with a little
    originality!

  26. Katrin

    You’ll Never Guess This African Grey Parrots For Adoption’s Benefits african grey parrots for adoption – Katrin,

  27. Live Draw SDY Lotto

    Hi there outstanding website! Does running a blog such as this require a large amount
    of work? I have virtually no knowledge of computer programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyhow, if you have any recommendations or tips for
    new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic however I just needed to ask.
    Many thanks!

  28. best online casinos australia

    Thanks in support of sharing such a good opinion, paragraph is fastidious, thats why i have read it entirely

  29. video mesum anak kecil

    I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice,
    keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later.
    Cheers

  30. Cavondex App

    It’s going to be finish of mine day, however before ending I am reading this wonderful paragraph to increase my
    experience.

  31. More hints

    I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs
    really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later.

    All the best

  32. Bokep Indonesia

    great put up, very informative. I’m wondering why the other
    specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing.
    I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  33. Bokep Indonesia

    I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of area .
    Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site.

    Reading this information So i’m glad to express that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I
    came upon exactly what I needed. I most surely will make sure to do not disregard
    this website and give it a glance regularly.

  34. qooh.me

    What’s The Current Job Market For Upvc Window Near Me Professionals?
    upvc Window near me (qooh.me)

  35. advertise car sexy

    It’s truly very complex in this busy life
    to listen news on Television, so I just use the web for that reason, and get the hottest news.

  36. iraqians.com

    I’ve been surfing on-line more than three hours nowadays,
    but I never found any interesting article like yours. It is beautiful price sufficient for me.
    Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web shall be a lot more
    useful than ever before.

  37. Historydb.date

    Five Tools That Everyone Is In The Buy Category B1 Driving License Industry Should
    Be Making Use Of Comprar A carta de condução do IMT, Historydb.date,

  38. xnxx

    pornhub Really a good deal of good tips!

  39. can nigerians apply for morocco e-visa

    It’s an awesome post in favor of all the web users; they will get advantage from it
    I am sure.

  40. human traficking

    Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from.

    I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.

  41. кракен лого маркетплейс

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this brilliant blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google
    account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share
    this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  42. facebook video downloader without watermark apk

    Admiring the persistence you put into your website and in depth information you
    offer. It’s great to come across a blog every once
    in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Great read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  43. Tollywood Collections

    This site truly has all the information and facts I needed about this subject
    and didn’t know who to ask.

  44. Tollywood Collections

    I always spent my half an hour to read this website’s content everyday along with a mug of coffee.

  45. how early can you apply for vietnam e-visa

    each time i used to read smaller articles or reviews which as well clear
    their motive, and that is also happening with this post which
    I am reading here.

  46. Immediate +8X Intal

    After I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked the
    -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve four emails
    with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a means you are able to remove me from that service?
    Many thanks!

  47. Tollywood Collection

    Hey very interesting blog!

  48. Data Keluaran Cambodia

    Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the favor”.I am
    attempting to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its
    ok to use some of your ideas!!

  49. Flexcore Accordis

    Article writing is also a fun, if you be familiar with then you can write if
    not it is difficult to write.

  50. solutions

    Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your post.
    I wanted to write a little comment to support you.

Add a Comment