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 14,742 Comments

14,742 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday!: Chekhov’s Gun

  1. Crestivo Stack

    Wow, this post is good, my younger sister is analyzing these things, thus I am going to tell her.

  2. Rocket Casino

    Hello every one, here every person is sharing
    such familiarity, thus it’s good to read this web site,
    and I used to go to see this web site all the time.

  3. TerraCalm Reviews

    Healthy nails and skin are not just a matter of beauty; they’re a reflection of
    overall health. Many people don’t realize how essential it is to maintain proper nail and skin hygiene, especially in areas like the feet where confinement in shoes creates a perfect environment for
    microbial imbalances.

    Fortunately, nature offers gentle yet effective remedies that support skin repair without
    resorting to synthetic solutions. Mineral-rich clays have long been used
    in folk medicine for their restorative properties.
    Combined with a deeper understanding of skin biology, these
    natural elements can form the foundation for long-term skin wellness.

    From cracked heels to brittle nails, many common issues can be addressed holistically.
    The key is to pay attention to the signs and rely on treatments that nourish rather
    than mask symptoms.

    Ultimately, healthy nails and skin are about more than just a polished
    appearance—they’re about comfort. Treat your body with kindness, and your feet—and
    life—will feel the difference.
    https://ammolandusa.com/terracalm-review-reclaim/

  4. بهترین آبرسان پوست سر بعد از کاشت مو

    There’s definately a lot to know about this topic. I like all
    of the points you made.

  5. dryer vent cleaning near me

    I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
    I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.

    I’m quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!

    Best of luck for the next!

  6. تعمیر قابلمه چدن

    This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!!
    Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Thanks a lot!

  7. systemcentercentral

    I enjoy looking through a post that will make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment.

  8. homemade salt trick

    If some one desires to be updated with most up-to-date technologies afterward he must be visit this site and be up to date daily.

  9. washer repair

    Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your site in internet explorer, could test this?

    IE still is the marketplace leader and a huge element of
    folks will miss your fantastic writing because of this problem.

  10. brazilian mounjaro

    Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your
    post is just great and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.

    Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up
    to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and
    please keep up the gratifying work.

  11. online poker

    Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the issues.

    It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Thank you for sharing!

  12. hepatoburn

    Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site by chance,
    and I’m shocked why this accident did not came about earlier!
    I bookmarked it.

  13. sex indo viral

    I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?
    This paragraph posted at this website is truly fastidious.

  14. Immediate Turbo

    Very good article. I will be dealing with some of these issues
    as well..

  15. Source

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog.
    I really hope to see the same high-grade content from you in the future as
    well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog
    now ;)

  16. Maple Venture

    Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the great spirit.

  17. 77 Bet

    It’s amazing to visit this site and reading the views of all mates
    regarding this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting experience.

  18. useful reference

    You have made some good points there. I checked
    on the web to find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

  19. اجرت تعویض تسمه تایم ۱۴۰۴

    Thank you, I have recently been looking for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best
    I’ve discovered so far. But, what in regards to the bottom
    line? Are you certain concerning the supply?

  20. 188 Bet

    This piece of writing is actually a good one it helps new internet viewers, who are wishing in favor of blogging.

  21. 789club

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something informative to
    read?

  22. important source

    Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this article i thought i could also create comment
    due to this good piece of writing.

  23. escort in sheffield

    I like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work
    and reporting! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve you
    guys to my blogroll.

  24. 카지노사이트 카지노프렌즈

    I wanted to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it.
    I have you book marked to check out new stuff you post…

  25. Haartransplantation Türkei

    sapphire

  26. burun estetiği fiyatları

    kandulu

  27. ankara liposuction

    taner bahar

  28. burun estetiği fiyatları

    basat

  29. Prostadine

    Hurrah! At last I got a blog from where I know how to truly obtain helpful facts concerning my study and knowledge.

  30. طرز تهیه کیک مثلثی با اسنک ساز

    Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely feel this site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks
    for the advice!

  31. saç ekimi fiyatları

    drterziler

  32. پرداختکاری چدن

    Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long
    comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say superb blog!

  33. lazer epilasyon fiyatları

    drm

  34. çene dolgusu fiyat

    cosmedica

  35. Related Site

    Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the
    favor”.I’m attempting to find things to enhance my website!I
    suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  36. 77 Bet

    Remarkable! Its really amazing piece of writing, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this article.

  37. Main profile

    I get pleasure from, cause I discovered just what I used to be having a look for.
    You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
    Bye

  38. lazer epilasyon fiyatları

    dnz

  39. esta visa for usa from uk

    What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious experience
    concerning unexpected emotions.

  40. نمایندگی تعمیرات ام وی ام در تهران

    My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different web
    address and thought I should check things out.
    I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to
    finding out about your web page yet again.

  41. Kerala Lottery Results login

    What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads.
    I hope to give a contribution & help other customers like its helped me.
    Great job.

  42. Rik Vip

    This is really interesting, You are a very professional blogger.
    I have joined your rss feed and look forward to in quest of extra
    of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my
    social networks

  43. 안산경매학원

    Hurrah! In the end I got a blog from where I be capable of really obtain useful data concerning my study and knowledge.

  44. PUBLINANAR

    Its such as you read my mind! You appear to know so much
    approximately this, like you wrote the e book in it
    or something. I feel that you just could do
    with a few % to power the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic
    blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  45. پرداختکاری برنز

    hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up
    something new from right here. I did however expertise a
    few technical issues using this website, as I experienced to reload the website lots of times previous
    to I could get it to load correctly. I had
    been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish
    loading instances times will often affect
    your placement in google and can damage your high quality
    score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot
    more of your respective fascinating content.

    Ensure that you update this again soon.

  46. home-flipper.com

    I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written.

  47. how to get esta for usa

    Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a
    quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading through your articles.
    Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics?

    Thanks a lot!

  48. Empires And Puzzles cheats proof

    Good way of telling, and good piece of writing
    to obtain information on the topic of my presentation focus, which i am going to
    convey in school.

  49. hair transplant istanbul cost

    aslı tarcan global

  50. Better than Culligan

    An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who had been doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this topic here on your internet site.

Add a Comment