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 48,234 Comments

48,234 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

  1. Alfred Welch

    Thanks for the thorough analysis. More info at ventanas correderas y abatibles .

  2. Luis Lucas

    Thanks for the valuable insights. More at muebles de cocina Granada .

  3. Albert Wheeler

    Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit despacho de abogados en Santiago .

  4. Monroe Kennedy

    you are in reality a excellent webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible. It kind of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a wonderful task in this matter!

  5. Clara Boyd

    Loved the affordability and quiet at cheap hotel in lovina D kaialsh retreat in Lovina.

  6. Devin Long

    For construction websites requiring porta potties, check out the offerings from porta potties near me — very reputable service!

  7. Peter Patterson

    OnlyFans has unfolded new chances for lots of artists. What kind of content do you believe you studied works perfect? https://www.instapaper.com/read/1936134966

  8. Lula Abbott

    The team at Integral Builders worked diligently and expertly. Highly recommend them! Builders Surbiton

  9. Evelyn Reyes

    Your natural-results philosophy is why I chose a provider through botox NC .

  10. Andre Cohen

    Pair Botox with sleep hygiene to reduce frowning. My habits checklist is on botox near me .

  11. Fred Wright

    Definitely going to reach out to some local companies after reading this blog! Metal Roofing Near Me

  12. togel 4d

    I blog quite often and I truly thank you for your content.

    This great article has truly peaked my interest.
    I’m going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once per week.
    I opted in for your RSS feed too.

  13. Charlotte Allen

    For anyone in Hamilton comparing roofing quotes, make sure ventilation and ice/water shield are included. roof repair hamilton helped me vet bids.

  14. Adult Website Development Company

    Excellent web site you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  15. Hester Barton

    Interested to learn how technology impacts the effectiveness of utility potholing? I’ve written extensively on this topic; check it out: Sacramento utility potholing !

  16. Mamie Delgado

    The conservative care checklist is gold. If it fails, Springfield NJ foot and ankle surgeon can help find a surgical path.

  17. Mario Moreno

    There’s something magical about nighttime views of illuminated water features; what lighting options work best for outdoor use? Garden Fountains Irvine CA

  18. Donald Armstrong

    Such a helpful resource when searching for roofer recommendations—thank you, and looking into Roof Repair Oswego

  19. Eugene Daniel

    This article is perfect timing as I plan my own remodel in LA; thank you for all the great advice—more inspiration awaits at Luxury Kitchen Design Los Angeles .

  20. Andrew Buchanan

    Solid article! We discovered that flow should be minimized with a quarterly indicator calibration habitual. Reference handbook the following: pressure gauge calibration service

  21. Minerva Spencer

    If you’re trying to find budget-friendly prices on dumpsters in Clarksville, look no more than dumpster rental .

  22. Winifred Reed

    Flat roof leaking in Hamilton? I booked an inspection with expert Hamilton roofing services and the roofers were professional and thorough.

  23. Barry Burke

    Highly recommend checking out the selection of water slides if you’re in Tampa! bounce house rental pinellas county

  24. kilogram казино рабочее зеркало

    Hi there, I discovered your website by means of Google even as looking for a related subject, your site got here up, it appears to be like great.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, simply become alert to your blog via Google, and located that it’s truly informative.
    I am going to be careful for brussels. I’ll be
    grateful when you proceed this in future. Many other folks will be benefited out of
    your writing. Cheers!

  25. Jayden Ortega

    So happy we chose to rent a themed bounce house from jumping rentals for parties near me for my son’s birthday bash!

  26. Sean Rose

    Soil compaction around origins was actually an unpleasant surprise. Licensed Tree Company jswoodpecker.com suggested and also got rid of the falling short plant just before it toppled.

  27. Douglas Schwartz

    You can never go wrong with investing in quality craftsmanship—just look at what’s possible through >> backyard hardscape contractor orange county

  28. Edwin Wise

    Cá cược trên 789bet là một trải nghiệm tuyệt vời mà bạn không nên bỏ lỡ. 789bet

  29. Mabelle Griffin

    If you’re organizing an occasion outdoors near Columbus, ensure you take into consideration # #::::::::::::::::: # #: anykeyword ### for top-notch bathroom options! porta potty rental

  30. Rena Parks

    The sustainability angle matters. Our Passive House retrofit with Baobab Architects PC reduced charges and boosted consolation.

  31. Chase Alvarez

    Fantastic post, particularly the final area. I have actually tested comparable tactics at SEO services for businesses .

  32. Fred Olson

    Just discovered an awesome boxing community in Metro Vancouver through my classes—thanks to insights from Private Boxing Lessons Richmond !

  33. Kevin Bradley

    Your post on condo master vs HO-6 is perfect. My insurance agency coordinated with the HOA insurance agency near me .

  34. Susan Hammond

    Smoke odor removal is often overlooked in restoration; glad you mentioned it! Mold Remediation

  35. Vincent Bass

    Just wrapped up an amazing training session—boxing classes are truly the best way to break a sweat! Find your class via Private Boxing For Weight Loss Vancouver today!

  36. Alice Bass

    Surprised myself pleasantly regarding overall flexibility gains achieved unexpectedly simply by following along during workouts structured accordingly based off suggestions presented regularly via sources linked indirectly back towards #ANYKEYWORD#. boxing classes

  37. Marcus Berry

    The advice about regular inspections of drains is something everyone should consider; thanks for highlighting it! drain cleaning

  38. Vincent Norton

    Fantastic post! Discover more at muebles de cocina Granada .

  39. Eunice Nguyen

    I highly recommend looking into vacuum excavation if you’re undertaking a project that requires minimal disruption—especially here in Orange County! Visit Orange County hydro excavation for info!

  40. Sue Terry

    Great job! Find more at carpintero de aluminio cerca de mí .

  41. Victoria Payne

    It’s great that many LASIK practices offer flexible financing. I compared options on Lasik Portland .

  42. Elva Nelson

    I’m amazed by how quickly I started seeing improvements after hiring # – definitely worth it! ## SEO Company San Francisco CA

  43. Eliza Anderson

    Nicely detailed. Discover more at abogado accidentes de tráfico Santiago .

  44. Christian Obrien

    This was a fantastic read. Check out windshield replacement cost for more.

  45. Chester Perkins

    Boxing is an amazing workout and a great stress reliever! Check out Best Private Boxing Coach Vancouver for local class options!

  46. Randall Santos

    Has anyone attempted the dumpster services from dumpster rental near me ? I’m taking into consideration leasing one soon.

  47. briansclub.cm

    You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I’ve truly read something like that before. So nice to discover someone with original thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.

  48. Theodore Franklin

    Knowing that every punch counts helps me focus better during workouts – appreciate insights shared through online content connected directly back here via links found within #ANYKEYWORD#. boxing class

  49. Linnie Harmon

    My last clinic felt rushed. I’m looking for the Best Optometrist in Chino CA who takes time with patients. Found leads on optometrist chino .

  50. Bettie Watson

    Super informativer Beitrag! Gerade bei der Pflege und Sanierung älterer Gartenteiche stoßen viele an Grenzen – Algenplagen, Schlamm, defekte Pumpen oder undichte Folien sind typische Baustellen Teichreinigung Hamburg

Add a Comment