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 48,304 Comments

48,304 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

  1. penghilang jamur kaca mobil

    Great site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to some pals ans
    also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank
    you on your effort!

  2. do i need visa for uk from usa

    Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a
    little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free
    platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are
    so many choices out there that I’m completely confused ..
    Any tips? Many thanks!

  3. Methamphetamine

    I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This article posted at this web page is actually nice.

  4. jasa bangun rumah jogja

    Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the
    blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own.
    Do you require any html coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Also visit my web site … jasa bangun rumah jogja

  5. جواب کامل آمیرزا

    Appreciate this post. Will try it out.

  6. mu

    This site really has all the info I needed about
    this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

  7. potential phishing scam money

    You’re so awesome! I do not suppose I’ve read anything like that before.
    So wonderful to find another person with original thoughts
    on this issue. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up.
    This site is something that is needed on the web, someone with some originality!

  8. umroh plus turki

    Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped
    me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

    Stop by my web site :: umroh plus turki

  9. piano lessons

    Hi there to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this website, and your
    views are fastidious designed for new viewers.

  10. King Billy Casino

    Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and
    create my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make
    your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  11. Paito Hongkong Lotto

    Hello i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace,
    when i read this paragraph i thought i could also create comment due to
    this sensible article.

  12. useful source

    I’ve been surfing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article
    like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as
    you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

  13. esta usa price

    What’s up, just wanted to say, I loved this post.
    It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

  14. kontol bernanah

    Good post! We will be linking to this great article on our website. Keep up the great writing.

  15. Live Sdy Lotto

    Paragraph writing is also a excitement, if you
    know then you can write otherwise it is complex to write.

  16. v9win.info

    Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes that produce
    the largest changes. Thanks for sharing!

  17. live draw hk lotto tercepat malam ini

    Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous
    to and you’re just extremely excellent. I really like what you’ve acquired here,
    really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it.

    You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise.
    I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a great
    site.

  18. King Billy Casino

    My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find many
    of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content to
    suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on many of
    the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome
    web log!

  19. top backlinks

    We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with helpful info to work on. You have performed a formidable activity and
    our entire neighborhood will be grateful to you.

  20. quick money

    Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  21. nail spas dallas

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board
    and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.

    I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.

  22. how long does an esta application take

    Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!

    Very helpful info specially the last part :) I care for such info
    a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

  23. River Rock Casino

    Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you
    knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having
    problems finding one? Thanks a lot!

  24. apakah apotik jual obat kuat

    Every weekend i used to visit this web site, for the
    reason that i wish for enjoyment, since this this site conations actually pleasant funny material too.

  25. บ้านจัดสรรลำปาง

    I have read so many articles or reviews concerning the blogger lovers however this paragraph is in fact a nice article,
    keep it up.

  26. b29.vc

    Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my
    4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She
    put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  27. Instant Cormax

    Paragraph writing is also a excitement, if you know then you can write if not it is complex to write.

  28. download film panas

    My brother recommended I may like this blog. He was once totally right.
    This submit truly made my day. You can not believe simply how so
    much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  29. หวยออนไลน์ lottovip

    Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appeal.

    I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me
    on Firefox. Superb Blog!

    my blog … หวยออนไลน์ lottovip

  30. lol aimbot

    Excellent web site. Plenty of useful info here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
    And certainly, thank you on your sweat!

  31. ラブドール

    Informative article, totally what I needed.

  32. polyurea

    Hello, yup this paragraph is in fact nice and I
    have learned lot of things from it regarding
    blogging. thanks.

  33. portal office

    Great post! I completely agree about how useful portal.office.com is for
    anyone using Microsoft 365. It’s so convenient having all the apps and services in one place.
    I especially love how it keeps my recent
    documents and emails organized, and switching between Teams, Outlook,
    and Word is seamless. It’s definitely made remote work and collaboration a lot easier for me.
    Thanks for highlighting this — more people should take
    advantage of it

  34. ติดต่อเราได้เลย

    I was able to find good information from your blog posts.

  35. скачать моды для андроид игр

    скачать моды для андроид игр
    — это удивительная возможность
    изменить игровой опыт. Особенно если вы играете
    на мобильном устройстве с Android, модификации открывают перед вами широкие горизонты.
    Я часто использую модифицированные версии игр, чтобы развиваться быстрее.

    Модификации игр дают невероятную возможность настроить
    игру, что делает процесс гораздо
    интереснее. Играя с модификациями, я могу повысить уровень сложности, что добавляет новые приключения и
    делает игру более непредсказуемой.

    Это действительно удивительно, как такие
    изменения могут улучшить переживания от игры,
    а при этом с максимальной безопасностью использовать такие игры с
    изменениями можно без особых опасностей,
    если быть внимательным и следить за обновлениями.
    Это делает каждый игровой процесс персонализированным, а возможности практически
    неограниченные.

    Рекомендую попробовать такие игры с модами для
    Android — это может придаст новый смысл

  36. اجاره اکسیژن ساز در تهران

    This piece of writing is really a fastidious one it helps new net visitors, who are wishing
    for blogging.

  37. thaicardonline

    Pretty part of content. I just stumbled upon your website and
    in accession capital to say that I acquire actually
    loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing in your augment and even I success you get entry to
    consistently rapidly.

  38. how to remove a swimming pool

    I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this
    information for my mission.

  39. казино Водка зеркало

    Добро пожаловать в Vodka Casino, где каждый найдет что-то для себя! Здесь вас ждут потрясающие бонусы, интересные игры и невероятные возможности для выигрыша. https://vodka-dice.beauty.

    Почему стоит выбрать Vodka Casino?

    Простой в использовании сайт для всех игроков.
    Возможности для крупных побед с каждой ставкой.
    Регулярные акции для новичков и постоянных игроков.
    Удобные методы депозита и вывода средств.

    Начните играть в Vodka Casino и выиграйте прямо сейчас!

  40. Website source

    Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a weblog web site?
    The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been a
    little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vibrant clear concept

  41. live draw sgp terbaru

    Remarkable! Its really remarkable piece of writing, I have got much clear
    idea regarding from this article.

  42. video sex viral

    Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but,
    I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog
    you might be interested in hearing. Either way,
    great site and I look forward to seeing it develop
    over time.

  43. Data Cambodia 2025

    Terrific article! That is the kind of information that are meant to be shared across the web.
    Shame on the seek engines for no longer positioning this publish upper!
    Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)

  44. GRATIS VIAGRA

    Are there any side effects of using ExtenZe?

    The increased semen volume leads to stronger and more intense orgasms.

  45. live draw hongkong lotto 2025

    Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using
    for this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another
    platform. I would be fantastic if you could point
    me in the direction of a good platform.

  46. buy linkedin followers

    Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us beneficial information to
    work on. You have done a extraordinary job!

  47. exploring the world of exclusive porn

    Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a material!
    present here at this web site, thanks admin of
    this web page.

  48. River Rock Casino

    It’s an amazing paragraph in favor of all the internet people; they will
    get advantage from it I am sure.

  49. Hårtransplantation

    dr noyan

Add a Comment