What Is Chekhovs Gunâ€and 4 Simple Ways to Use It (With Examples!)

What Is Chekhovs Guns!) What Is Chekhov's Gun and How to Use It The term "Chekhov's Gun" refers to the words of the early 20th Century playwright and author Anton Chekhov: â€Å"If in Act One you have a pistol hanging on the wall, then it must fire in the last act.†It's a literary rule that authors, screenwriters, and storytellers everywhere know, but perhaps struggle to define. In this post, we’ll outline just what is â€Å"Chekhov’s Gun† and give you pointers on how to (and how not to) use it. What is Chekhov's Gun and how do you use it? Find tips and examples here! What is Chekhov’s Gun?Chekhov's Gun is a plot device that people often confuse with foreshadowing, so let’s quickly clear up how they differ:Chekhov’s Gun refers to the unspoken agreement that a writer won’t make â€Å"false promises† to a reader by introducing elements that are unexplained. In other words, if you draw attention to something, you will eventually need to reveal why it's worth noticing.Foreshadowing involves almost the opposite: the writer hints at something they only want the reader to kind of notice. The reader’s attention is not directly pointed to a specific element; the element is simply presented so that the reader is aware of it. To learn more about foreshadowing, go here for our in-depth take on the tactic. In Great Expectations, Magwitch is an example of Chekhov's Gun (image: BBC Films)The significance of Magwitch is merely brushed upon in these opening scenes, but readers are not immediately given the sense that he will play a crucial role in Pip’s life. Which, of course, turns out to be very untrue as it is later revealed that Magwitch is Pip’s secret benefactor - a major, albeit behind-the-scenes, influencer of Pip’s life and his â€Å"great expectations.†Why it works: The role of Magwitch is an effective use of Chekhov’s Gun because he is introduced to us an in an unusual and questionable way, which places significance on him. The mystery surrounding the circumstances of his conviction and his relationship to the second convict Pip encounters provokes us just enough to wonder what role this man might play in the story - and yet doesn’t place too much emphasis on him so that we’re expecting the grand reveal when it happens. Here are four ways to use Chekhov's Gun to take your writing to the next level. You don’t need to follow Chekhov’s Gun rule to a tee, circling back to every single detail in a story. This will surely exhaust your readers. Instead, think of Chekhov’s Gun as a reminder that you shouldn’t leave extraneous details scattered throughout your story - make your words count, and place significance on the details that matter to the story.Do you have examples of "fired guns" in your own writing? Or examples of novels that have subverted Chekhov's Gun rule? Do you have any further questions about the subject? Leave your thoughts for us in the comment box below!