Search
Select the dictionary language
Chekhov's gun
01
a literary principle that states that every element introduced in a story must be necessary and relevant to the plot or it should be removed
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Uncountable
singular
not gender specific
What is "Chekhov's gun"?
Chekhov's gun is a principle in storytelling that states if a writer includes an element, such as an object or detail, early in the story, it should be relevant later on. The idea is that every part of a story should serve a purpose and contribute to the plot or theme. For example, if a character mentions a mysterious key early in a story, that key should eventually play a significant role in the narrative. This concept ensures that all elements in a story are meaningful and not merely included for decoration.
LanGeek
