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 48,299 Comments

48,299 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

  1. sex trẻ em

    sex trẻ em

  2. Старда регистрация без депозита

    I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing issues with your site.
    It appears as though some of the text in your content are running off the
    screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This could be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Appreciate it

  3. Togel

    Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday.
    It will always be useful to read through content from other writers and practice something from their sites.

    Visit my homepage :: Togel

  4. edinburgh mature escorts

    This is a topic which is close to my heart… Thank you!

    Exactly where are your contact details though?

  5. bet88

    I have read so many content about the blogger lovers but this article is actually a
    fastidious paragraph, keep it up.

  6. In-Depth Analysis

    bookmarked!!, I really like your site!

  7. kubetcom.agency

    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. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content
    as you did, the web will be a lot more useful
    than ever before.

  8. link bokep anak kecil

    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
    placed 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!

  9. nonton bokep tanpa VPN

    It’s hard to come by knowledgeable people
    about this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking
    about! Thanks

  10. nonton bokep tanpa VPN

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your
    site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  11. how to share an instagram post to your story

    bookmarked!!, I like your web site!

  12. trailer rentals in dallas

    What’s up, all is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that’s genuinely excellent, keep up writing.

  13. CanFirst

    Whoa! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it
    has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

  14. esta visa app

    Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?

  15. zlibrary

    Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post.
    Thanks for providing these details.

  16. بهترین بک لینک

    Hello, I desire to subscribe for this web site
    to take newest updates, thus where can i do it please help.

  17. مطالعه بیشتر

    What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness
    of valuable familiarity on the topic of unpredicted
    emotions.

  18. SODO66 app

    Howdy this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or
    if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone
    with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  19. get a clone shipped to your home!

    Aw, this was a really good post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  20. how long does an esta application take

    WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for esta usa visa uk

  21. Wes Mcquillan

    I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this site. I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now ;)

  22. read

    Binary options trading isn’t for the faint of heart,
    but for those who are calculated risk-takers, it
    offers a unique thrill.
    I even discussed some tactics with Chloe during my last visit to Mumbai.

    Each city — whether it’s Manila — offers
    its own flavor to how traders operate.
    Now, I focus on small, consistent wins instead of trying to double
    my money overnight.
    People in cities like Mumbai often ask me how to start
    — I always say, don’t skip the basics.

  23. online casino ontario

    I got this web site from my pal who told me about this web page and now this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative posts here.

  24. Mitolyn Reviews

    Mitolyn is a supplement formulated to enhance cellular
    energy and support mitochondrial health, helping you feel more energized, focused, and resilient throughout the day.
    Give your body the boost it needs with Mitolyn.

  25. Trang chủ BL555

    You have made some good points there. I looked on the net for more info about the
    issue and found most individuals will go
    along with your views on this web site.

  26. Samuelden

    This article is packed with interesting ideas—worth a read http://weekevents.ru/aml-skoring-dlya-blokcheyn-adresov

  27. Instant Renova Review

    At this time it sounds like WordPress is the best blogging platform
    out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  28. casino online canada

    Outstanding story there. What occurred after? Take
    care!

  29. روانشناس

    If you would like to improve your knowledge simply keep visiting this web site and
    be updated with the most up-to-date gossip posted here.

  30. click here

    Here is my web site … click here

  31. 9goal - Live Football Streaming

    Stream live Football events online. Stay updated with
    upcoming matches, highlights, and schedules. Join the excitement with E2BET
    today!

  32. do i need a visa to visit usa from uk

    Today, I went to the beach 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 placed 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 completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  33. how long does it take for viagra to work

    Hi my family member! I want to say that this article is amazing, great written and include approximately all significant infos.
    I would like to peer more posts like this .

  34. pool filteranlage

    Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!
    Very helpful information specifically the last part :) I care for such
    info much. I was looking for this certain information for a
    very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  35. esta united states

    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 issues
    with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another
    platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  36. แว่นโปรเกรสซีฟ

    Hi there, the whole thing is going perfectly here and ofcourse every
    one is sharing facts, that’s genuinely excellent, keep up writing.

  37. add members

    Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have developed some nice methods and we are looking to swap solutions with others, please shoot me an email if interested.

  38. bandar toto slot

    Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a
    blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
    I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  39. Product Features

    If you would like to take much from this post then you
    have to apply such strategies to your won blog.

  40. atenasadeghi.com

    Yes! Finally something about اسپری دوفاز
    مو برای چیست؟.

  41. Phising dan scam

    Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and
    I am impressed! Very useful information specifically the last
    part :) I care for such information much.
    I was looking for this certain information for a long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

  42. ติดเชื้อทางเดินปัสสาวะ

    It is the best time to make a few plans for the
    longer term and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this submit and if I may
    just I want to recommend you some interesting things or tips.
    Maybe you could write next articles referring
    to this article. I desire to read more issues about it!

  43. Shaving

    I want to to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it.
    I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…

  44. link sbobet

    An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment.
    I think that you ought to write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but usually
    folks don’t talk about these topics. To the next! Cheers!!

  45. 19th-century literature

    Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to
    check it out. I’m definitely loving the information.
    I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Great blog and wonderful design and style.

  46. pink salt trick

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

  47. خرید عینک مطالعه

    خرید عینک شب

  48. lembu4d

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a
    doubt donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your
    RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
    Chat soon!

  49. Website source

    I was recommended this web site through my cousin. I’m now not certain whether this put up is
    written through him as no one else recognize such specific approximately my trouble.
    You’re incredible! Thanks!

  50. WoW Cataclysm boost

    Excellent weblog right here! Also your site so much up fast!
    What host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate link on your host?

    I desire my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

Add a Comment