Chekhov’s Gun
As a lover of fantasy novels, You know, there is a very common occurrence in fantasy. The writer introduces an element or a character and then forgets about that. It is really frustrating for us, the readers. And This is where Chekhov’s Gun comes into play.
The concept is attributed to Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, who believed every element introduced in a story should be necessary and ultimately play a role in the plot. While there’s no exact documented quote from Chekhov himself, the principle is conveyed through paraphrased versions of his advice to young playwrights. Here’s a common variation:
“If you say in the first chapter that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, in the second or third chapter it absolutely must go off. If it’s not going to be used, it shouldn’t be hanging there.”
The main elements of this concept are :
- Every Detail Matters: Chekhov’s Gun suggests that every element introduced in a story, whether it’s a character, object, piece of dialogue, or even a seemingly insignificant detail, should have a purpose and contribute to the overall narrative.
- Avoiding Superfluous Details: The principle discourages introducing elements into the story that don’t contribute to the plot or character development. Every detail should have a purpose and foreshadow future events or reveal something about the characters.
- Building Anticipation and Tension: By introducing a seemingly unimportant element early on, the writer creates a sense of anticipation in the audience. They wonder when or how this element will become relevant, keeping them engaged and invested in the story.
- Delivering Payoff: The ultimate goal is for the “gun” to be “fired” at some point in the story. This payoff can come in various forms, such as the element being directly used in a pivotal scene, revealing a hidden truth, or creating a sense of dramatic irony.
However, these ideas are not exact formulas. Certain elements may be used to create the scene or atmosphere without any direct storyline connection. But Repeatedly introducing elements that go nowhere can create a sense of frustration in readers who expect them to become significant.
Examples of Chekhov’s Gun:
- In Alfred Hitchcock’s film “Psycho,” Norman Bates mentions buying a new light bulb for the shower. Later, the dimmed light in the shower scene creates suspense, foreshadowing the violent attack.
- In Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” Hercule Poirot mentions his knowledge of a specific Balkan poison early on. This seemingly random detail becomes crucial later when he reveals it as the murder weapon.
It is important to remember that- Chekhov’s Gun doesn’t have to be a physical object. It can be a character trait, a piece of dialogue that hints at a future event, or a seemingly insignificant detail that becomes crucial later. It is a tool to strengthen your narrative. It’s ultimately up to the writer’s discretion how to integrate elements and how much foreshadowing or Chekhovian elements they want to include.
