Chekov’s Gun

Chekhov's Gun is a storytelling principle that states every element in a narrative must be necessary and relevant. If a gun is introduced in the first act of a play, it should be used by the end; otherwise, it distracts from the story. The idea emphasizes that details should serve a purpose, avoiding unnecessary fluff. This concept encourages writers to create tighter, more engaging narratives by ensuring that every plot point contributes meaningfully to the overall story or character development. Thus, it underscores the importance of coherence and intent in storytelling.