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 48,308 Comments

48,308 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

  1. Trent

    The No. One Question That Everyone In Buy A
    Driving License Should Be Able To Answer führerschein kaufen in deutschland (Trent)

  2. Exterior door with window

    You’ll Never Guess This Exterior Door With Window’s Benefits Exterior door with window

  3. Mini biewer yorkshire terrier kaufen​

    Buy Axel Terrier Puppies: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
    Mini biewer yorkshire terrier kaufen​

  4. pc youtube downloader

    I’m curious to find out what blog platform you’re
    using? I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest site
    and I would like to find something more risk-free.
    Do you have any suggestions?

  5. gotogel

    See What Website Gotogel Alternatif Tricks The Celebs Are Using
    gotogel

  6. clicavisos.com.Ar

    15 Terms That Everyone Within The Volkswagen Key Cutting Service Near
    Me Industry Should Know volkswagen spare key; clicavisos.com.Ar,

  7. Michel

    10 Healthy Habits For A Healthy Buy Cayden Yorkshire Bismarck welpen yorkshire terrier kaufen​ (Michel)

  8. alternatif gotogel terpercaya

    Five Killer Quora Answers On Alternatif Gotogel Terpercaya alternatif gotogel terpercaya

  9. Visit

    Why users still use to read news papers when in this technological globe everything
    is existing on web?

  10. repair car keys Near Me

    Be On The Lookout For: How Car Key Repair Near Me Is Taking
    Over And How To Stop It repair car keys Near Me

  11. Best Car Locksmith Luton

    Five Killer Quora Answers To Best Car Locksmith Luton Best Car Locksmith Luton

  12. gotogel-link-alternatif15169.bloggip.com

    See What Link Daftar Gotogel Tricks The Celebs
    Are Using gotogel (gotogel-link-alternatif15169.bloggip.com)

  13. damian Der Welpe

    What Is Buy Axel Terrier Puppies? History Of Buy Axel Terrier Puppies damian Der Welpe

  14. Price

    5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong Concerning New Audi Key Price

  15. beställa KöRkort

    15 Trends To Watch In The New Year How Do You Get
    A New Drivers License beställa KöRkort

  16. Dulcie

    5 Killer Quora Answers On Damian The Puppy Duxi yorkshire biewer
    kaufen​ (Dulcie)

  17. Live Draw Sdy Lotto

    Why visitors still make use of to read news papers when in this technological world all is available on web?

  18. Psychological test Near Me

    10 Basics To Know Psychiatrist Near Me For Depression You Didn’t Learn In School
    Psychological test Near Me

  19. wp hosting

    I really like it when people come together and share views.

    Great blog, stick with it!

  20. Ada

    15 Fun And Wacky Hobbies That’ll Make You More Effective
    At Adult ADHD Testing adhd adult testing – Ada -

  21. Lillian

    An Buy Cayden Yorkshire Success Story You’ll Never Believe
    Suzie Der Yorkie-Welpe (Lillian)

  22. bokep premium gratis

    Informative article, just what I needed.

  23. auto Locksmith near luton

    What’s The Job Market For Best Auto Locksmith Near Luton Professionals?
    auto Locksmith near luton

  24. Rosaura

    Indisputable Proof Of The Need For Kia Sportage Key locked keys in kia optima
    - Rosaura,

  25. apply evisa

    I got this site from my buddy who shared with me on the
    topic of this website and now this time I am browsing this web page and reading very informative articles
    at this time.

  26. Click here

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog
    and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like
    yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% positive.
    Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks

  27. gotogel

    Website Gotogel Alternatif Tools To Help You
    Manage Your Daily Lifethe One Website Gotogel Alternatif
    Trick That Every Person Should Learn gotogel

  28. Link alternatif gotogel

    Guide To Link Alternatif Gotogel: The Intermediate Guide
    The Steps To Link Alternatif Gotogel Link alternatif gotogel

  29. VolcMiner D1 Hydro (30.4Gh)

    I have read so many articles regarding the blogger
    lovers except this post is actually a good article, keep
    it up.

  30. window & Door

    Window & Door Tools To Help You Manage Your Daily Life Window
    & Door Trick Every Individual Should Learn window & Door

  31. Www.Myday.Eu.Com

    Five Killer Quora Answers To Private Psychiatrists Private Practice
    Psychiatrist (http://Www.Myday.Eu.Com)

  32. Website Gotogel Alternatif

    You’ll Be Unable To Guess Website Gotogel Alternatif’s Tricks Website Gotogel Alternatif

  33. wp hosting

    Attractive component of content. I simply stumbled upon your
    web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually
    loved account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing in your augment or
    even I fulfillment you access consistently fast.

  34. Severe Macaw For Sale

    A Time-Travelling Journey A Trip Back In Time:
    What People Talked About Tallula Indigo Park Mollie Macaw 20 Years Ago
    Severe Macaw For Sale

  35. Arvin Biewer yorkshire terrier mini kaufen​

    10 Things We Love About Buy Marta Mini Yorkshire Terrier Arvin Biewer yorkshire terrier mini kaufen​

  36. best bitcoin casinos

    Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
    Extremely useful information particularly the last part :) I care for such
    info a lot. I was looking for this certain info for a very long
    time. Thank you and best of luck.

  37. Adhd assessment scotland Private

    How To Outsmart Your Boss On Private Adult ADHD Assessment Adhd assessment scotland Private

  38. Lila

    Why You Should Concentrate On Improving Adulttoys masturbation adult toy deal, Lila,

  39. pasang togel Aman

    5 Must-Know Togel 4d-Practices You Need To Know For 2024
    pasang togel Aman

  40. Hyderabad escort

    I visited several blogs except the audio quality for audio
    songs present at this web page is actually wonderful.

  41. FüHrerschein Kaufen

    Why Buy A German Driving License Is Everywhere This Year FüHrerschein Kaufen

  42. agendabookmarks.com

    How To Choose The Right Private Psychiatrist Uk On The Internet Can a private psychiatrist prescribe medication (agendabookmarks.com)

  43. FüHrerschein Kaufen eu

    The Best Tips You’ll Receive About You Can Buy
    A Driving License FüHrerschein Kaufen eu

  44. heavenarticle.com

    Do You Know How To Explain Buy Bismarck Yorkshire Terrier Puppies
    To Your Boss Marta Mini Yorkshire Terrier Kaufen (heavenarticle.com)

  45. 에그벳가입코드

    It’s really a nice and useful piece of information.
    I am satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information with
    us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  46. best car locksmith luton

    15 Best Car Locksmith Luton Bloggers You Need To Follow best car locksmith luton

  47. auto locksmiths near luton

    Five Killer Quora Answers To Auto Locksmiths Near Luton auto locksmiths near luton

  48. Eldorado loyalty rewards

    Dreaming of big winnings? Your best choice is Eldorado Casino!
    On this site, you’ll discover a vast game selection, exclusive rewards, and fast withdrawals!
    Eldorado no deposit bonus.

    What are the key benefits of this casino?

    A massive game collection from world-class gaming studios.

    Fantastic rewards available to everyone.

    Fast withdrawals with no hidden fees.

    User-friendly navigation compatible with all devices.

    Live chat service available any time.

    Sign up at Eldorado Casino and get your chance to win big with maximum benefits! https://eldorado-gameflicker.world/

  49. bocoran togel hari Ini

    In Which Location To Research Link Daftar Gotogel Online bocoran togel hari Ini

  50. treatments for adhd

    10 Ways To Create Your ADHD Treatment In Adults Empire treatments for adhd

Add a Comment