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 48,307 Comments

48,307 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

  1. Adhd treatment for adults

    What’s The Job Market For ADHD Treatment For
    Adults Professionals Like? Adhd treatment for adults

  2. Retro fridge freezer

    The 10 Most Scariest Things About Swan Retro Fridge Freezer Retro fridge freezer

  3. Fanny

    Guide To Replacement Volkswagen Keys: The Intermediate Guide Towards
    Replacement Volkswagen Keys replacement volkswagen keys, Fanny,

  4. Door hinges Upvc

    Guide To Door Hinges Upvc: The Intermediate Guide Towards Door Hinges Upvc Door hinges Upvc

  5. African grey birds for sale

    What’s The Current Job Market For African Grey Birds For Sale Professionals Like?
    African grey birds for sale

  6. Лечение акне лица

    Yes! Finally something about Лечение акне лица.

  7. Alba

    This Is The Complete Guide To Toys For Adult uk
    adult toys; Alba,

  8. Dina

    What’s The Current Job Market For Exercise Bike In Home Professionals
    Like? exercise bike in home (Dina)

  9. blackjack online real money

    Thanks in support of sharing such a pleasant idea,
    post is fastidious, thats why i have read it entirely

  10. samsung Fridge models

    Samsung Fridge Freezer Price: A Simple Definition samsung Fridge models

  11. agen Togel terpercaya

    This History Behind Website Gotogel Alternatif Can Haunt You Forever!

    agen Togel terpercaya

  12. Bitcoin Billionaire

    Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads
    a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider
    at a honest price? Kudos, I appreciate it!

  13. Deutsche schäFerhunde kaufen

    Here’s A Little Known Fact Concerning Buy A Black German Shepherd Deutsche schäFerhunde kaufen

  14. Finanace Phantom Ai

    I was able to find good advice from your content.

  15. Emilia

    10 Of The Top Mobile Apps To Address Collection 주소모음 사이트 (Emilia)

  16. clashofcryptos.trade

    For Whom Is Adults ADHD Test And Why You Should Take A
    Look adhd Adult Testing (clashofcryptos.trade)

  17. ads508

    Link exchange is nothing else except it is just placing the
    other person’s blog link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do same for
    you.

  18. kia sorento Keyless entry

    5 Kia Replacement Key Projects For Any Budget kia sorento Keyless entry

  19. Shonda

    Buy Category C Driving License Tips That Will Change Your Life Comprar Carta de Condução da
    Categoria B1 (Shonda)

  20. 153.126.169.73

    5 Killer Quora Answers On Bifold Door Seal Repair bifold door Seal repair – 153.126.169.73 -

  21. Integrated Fridge Freezer With Water And Ice Dispenser

    Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About American Style Fridge Freezer
    With Ice And Water Dispenser Integrated Fridge Freezer With Water And Ice Dispenser

  22. Goethe Certificate C2

    What’s The Current Job Market For Buy Goethe
    Certificate C2 Online Professionals Like? Goethe Certificate C2

  23. huay thai ,

    You’re so cool! I don’t think I’ve read a single thing like this before.
    So good to find somebody with unique thoughts on this topic.

    Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a
    little originality!

  24. The Memory Wave reviews

    Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your blog
    on my iphone during lunch break. I love the information you present
    here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone
    .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, excellent blog!

  25. suzie der yorkie-welpe

    “Ask Me Anything,” 10 Responses To Your Questions About Buy Arvin Biewer Yorkshire
    Terrier Mini suzie der yorkie-welpe

  26. Seat ibiza key fob replacement

    You’ll Never Guess This Seat Ibiza Key Fob
    Replacement’s Tricks Seat ibiza key fob replacement

  27. private Psychiatrists near me

    You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Private Psychiatrists Near Me’s Secrets private Psychiatrists near me

  28. Pvc door hinges

    Does Technology Make Double Glazed Door Hinges Better
    Or Worse? Pvc door hinges

  29. Macaw Representative Species

    10 Healthy Lolita Blue & Gold Macaw Habits Macaw Representative Species

  30. deutscher schäferhund kaufen öSterreich

    Need Inspiration? Try Looking Up Buy A German Shepherd deutscher schäferhund kaufen öSterreich

  31. nativ.media

    Five Killer Quora Answers To Robotic Vacuum Cleaners robotic Vacuum cleaner (nativ.media)

  32. private Adhd assessment Newcastle

    7 Effective Tips To Make The Profits Of Your Private ADHD private Adhd assessment Newcastle

  33. private psychiatrist london

    10 Essentials About Private Psychiatrist Assessment Near Me You
    Didn’t Learn In School private psychiatrist london

  34. exercise cycle for home

    Guide To Exercise Cycle For Home: The Intermediate Guide The Steps To Exercise Cycle For Home exercise cycle for home

  35. Aqua Tower reviews

    I like reading through an article that will make people
    think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!

  36. telegra.ph

    Ten Apps To Help Manage Your Mercedes Replacement Key Cost Uk mercedes benz key
    (telegra.ph)

  37. Maxwell

    10 Facts About Exercise Bicycle That Can Instantly
    Put You In A Good Mood exercise bicycles for sale [Maxwell]

  38. timeoftheworld.date

    Guide To Near Me Psychiatrist: The Intermediate Guide
    For Near Me Psychiatrist near me psychiatrist (timeoftheworld.date)

  39. Marta Mini Yorkshire Terrier Kaufen

    Who’s The Most Renowned Expert On Buy Arvin Biewer Yorkshire Terrier Mini?
    Marta Mini Yorkshire Terrier Kaufen

  40. Bariatric mobility equipment

    You’ll Never Guess This Bariatric Mobility Equipment’s Tricks Bariatric mobility equipment

  41. situs alternatif gotogel

    You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Situs Alternatif Gotogel’s Tricks situs alternatif gotogel

  42. Adhd Uk Medication

    10 Things That Your Family Taught You About ADHD Uk Medication Adhd Uk Medication

  43. new mercedes key

    Is Your Company Responsible For A Spare Mercedes Key Budget?
    12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money new mercedes key

  44. Milagros

    How To Explain Damian The Puppy To Your Boss Damian der Welpe (Milagros)

  45. 프라그마틱 이미지

    The History Of Pragmatic Demo 프라그마틱 이미지

  46. kup Prawo Jazdy b​ online

    7 Essential Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Buy A Category B+ Driving License kup Prawo Jazdy b​ online

  47. Mild acne

    The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and
    tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is
    now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is
    completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  48. mercedes benz key replacement

    The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Mercedes Benz Key Replacement mercedes benz key replacement

  49. führerschein kaufen erfahrungen

    The Intermediate Guide In Buy A German Driving License
    führerschein kaufen erfahrungen

  50. Cat Flap Bifold Doors

    Upvc Door Panels With Cat Flap Cat Flap Bifold Doors

Add a Comment