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 48,295 Comments

48,295 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

  1. kulo4d

    It’s really a cool and helpful piece of info. I am glad that
    you just shared this helpful info with us.
    Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  2. toto togel

    Hello, everything is going fine here and ofcourse
    every one is sharing data, that’s truly excellent, keep up
    writing.

  3. breathe supplement side effects

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the
    same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.

  4. chemicalresearchinsight.Com

    anabolic steroids dosage

    References:

    chemicalresearchinsight.Com

  5. куда поехать в Турции

    I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not certain whether or not this post is
    written by him as no one else know shch precise approximately my problem.
    You’re amazing! Thanks!

    Here iis my boog :: куда поехать в Турции

  6. kulo4d

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

  7. Retina Clear Reviews

    There’s certainly a lot to learn about this subject. I love all the points you made.

  8. situs toto

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog
    posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  9. deneme bonusu veren siteler

    If some one wants expert view regarding blogging and site-building afterward i
    recommend him/her to go to see this webpage, Keep up the pleasant job.

  10. dana toto

    I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally
    educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The problem is something that not enough folks are
    speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I found this in my
    hunt for something concerning this.

  11. video bokep terbaru indonesia

    Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and your views are pleasant in support of new
    people.

  12. Situs 4D

    I every time used to read paragraph in news papers but now
    as I am a user of internet thus from now I am using net for articles,
    thanks to web.

  13. situs gacor hari ini

    Hi I am so grateful I found your website, I really found you by mistake, while I
    was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a tremendous post
    and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design),
    I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also
    added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
    much more, Please do keep up the awesome job.

  14. digi 995 book series

    I for all time emailed this web site post page to all my associates, for the reason that if like to read it next my
    links will too.

  15. r7-jackpot.buzz

    Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
    It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors! https://r7-jackpot.buzz/

  16. youtube to mp3 converter

    After going over a handful of the blog posts on your web site, I truly like your technique of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my website as well and let me know how you feel.

  17. convert units online

    Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after looking at some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

  18. VSL Print

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am encountering issues with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting similar RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!

  19. Mitolyn Reviews

    I’m not positive where you are getting your information, however great
    topic. I needs to spend some time finding out more or understanding more.
    Thanks for wonderful info I was in search of this info
    for my mission.

  20. link slot gacor

    Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google,
    and found that it is really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels.

    I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  21. bin88

    I enjoy reading an article that will make men and women think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment.

  22. what is the salt trick for men

    Pretty! This was a really wonderful article. Thanks for supplying
    this information.

  23. pink salt trick

    Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the website
    is very good.

  24. Aurum Fix

    Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog
    loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  25. slot online terpercaya

    Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your
    site? My website is in the very same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.
    Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks a lot!

  26. Kaizenaire Insider Singapore

    I vаlue your fantastic post! Yoour ⅽontent іs both informative and interesting, mɑking youг website а ցreat resource fⲟr readers.
    Ϝor tһe current Singapore promotions, І recommend ցoing to Kaizenaire.ϲom
    where you can find special deals and promo codes to һelp you save money.
    Thіs site aggregates tⲟp discounts fгom numerous sellers аnd services
    іn Singapore, providing ɡood deals on popular brand names in style,
    electronic devices, dining, аnd everyday basics.
    Maintain tһе outstanding wοrk, and I eagerly anticipate
    reading mоге of yⲟur informative articles іn the
    future. Best relates to and һappy reading!

    Αlso visit my pagе – Kaizenaire Insider Singapore

  27. super yummy 888

    Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this info.

  28. toto slot

    Its such as you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this,
    such as you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you simply could do with a few percent to power the message house a bit, but other than that, that is wonderful
    blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.

  29. blue salt trick

    I know this web page presents quality depending
    posts and additional material, is there any other web page which offers these kinds of information in quality?

  30. vinmec times city

    Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your
    blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new
    to the whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for novice
    blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  31. promotions singapore

    I aрpreciate уour terrific post! Υouг material is both helpful and appealing, mɑking yοur
    site a great resource fоr readers. For the most recent Singapore promotions,
    I advise visiting Kaizenaire.com wһere yߋu cаn fіnd special deals аnd discount codes to һelp ʏou save
    money. Ꭲhis website aggregates leading discounts fгom
    different sellers and services іn Singapore, usіng
    terrific deals on popular brands іn style, electronics, dining,
    аnd everyday essentials. Қeep up the outstanding work, and I eagerly anticipate finding օut moге of
    your informative articles іn the future.Ᏼest concerns and delighted reading!

    Мʏ site … promotions singapore

  32. Cooltisyntrix 3.1

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after going through some of the
    articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I stumbled
    upon it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!

  33. More info

    I was curious if you ever thought of changing the layout of your
    website? Its very well written; I love what youve
    got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the
    way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of
    text for only having 1 or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  34. Kí tự đặc biệt

    Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Thank you for providing this information.

  35. Y2Mate

    After looking into a number of the blog articles on your blog, I truly like your technique of writing a blog. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my website too and let me know how you feel.

  36. Woah! I'm really

    Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to
    do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let
    you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved
    soon. Cheers

  37. Průmyslová automatizace

    Every weekend i used to go to see this web page, as i want enjoyment, since this this site conations genuinely nice funny data too.

  38. 8KBET

    Very good post! We are linking to this particularly great article on our website.
    Keep up the great writing.

  39. Truyenqq

    Having read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it.

  40. bandar togel online

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the
    same nearly very often inside case you shield this
    hike.

  41. we hear

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the longer
    term and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I may just I want to recommend you some
    attention-grabbing things or advice. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles relating to this article.
    I want to learn more things about it!

  42. 免费色情影片

    Hello everybody, here every one is sharing these
    know-how, therefore it’s good to read this website,
    and I used to visit this blog everyday.

  43. Вован слоты с джекпотом

    Vovan Casino — онлайн-клуб, в котором каждая ставка имеет значение.
    Игроки здесь наслаждаются широким выбором развлечений,
    включая классические слоты, карточные игры и
    живые казино. Не упусти шанс —
    Vovan casino официальный сайт — и игра
    начнёт приносить тебе больше, чем
    просто адреналин.

    Дизайн платформы прост, но продуман до мелочей, что позволяет сосредоточиться на игре без отвлекающих деталей.

    Vovan Casino заботится о своих игроках: бонусы начисляются вовремя,
    поддержка отвечает быстро, а выплаты приходят без задержек.

    Щедрые приветственные подарки
    — отличное начало

    Соревнования, где каждый может стать победителем

    Клиентский сервис на уровне лучших европейских площадок

    Если ты ищешь онлайн-казино с честной репутацией
    и яркими возможностями — Vovan Casino станет твоим
    выбором https://privetka.ru/

  44. jasa maket Jakarta

    Having read this I believed it was rather informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile.

  45. Forte Valbit

    Valuable info. Fortunate me I discovered your website by accident, and I’m shocked why this twist of fate did not
    took place in advance! I bookmarked it.

  46. Trading Edge

    It’s remarkable in support of me to have a web page, which is good for my know-how.
    thanks admin

  47. wireless gaming mouse

    Greetings, I do believe your blog could be having internet browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful site!

  48. pink salt trick

    What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads.

    I hope to give a contribution & aid different customers like its helped me.
    Great job.

  49. sanjitoto

    With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or
    copyright violation? My website has a lot of completely unique
    content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears
    a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any solutions to help protect against content from being ripped off?

    I’d definitely appreciate it.

  50. mtcmetal

    Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was
    extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted
    and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am
    an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any tips for newbie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

Add a Comment