Chekhov's Gun

Chekhov's Gun is a dramatic principle that suggests every element introduced in a story should serve a purpose and be relevant to the plot. Coined by the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, the idea is that if a gun appears in the first act, it must be fired by the end of the story. This means that unnecessary details should be avoided, ensuring that everything mentioned contributes to the overall narrative. Chekhov's Gun encourages writers to create tight, engaging stories where every component has significance, enhancing both credibility and audience satisfaction.