What is Chekhov’s Gun? 5 Ways to Skilfully Use One in Your Screenplay

Chekhov’s gun is a term that – in its simplest form – bestows purpose upon any object, character or situation within a narrative, on which the writer explicitly chooses to place emphasis.   

This article will explore the following:

What is the Principle of Chekhov’s Gun?

Popularised by author-playwright Anton Chekhov, the concept is best explained in his words:

“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 fired, it shouldn’t be hanging there.“

Anton Chekhov (From S. Shchukin, Memoirs. 1911.)

Owing to the above statement, Chekhov’s gun has become a basic tenet of screenwriting; one that can help build an overall cohesive narrative.

From Ripley’s command of the Power Loader in Alien to the Winchester rifle in Shaun of The Dead, a Chekhov’s gun can take many shapes and forms within your screenplay. These can be as figurative as they can be literal, and extend to any aspect of your story.

Concurrently with the red herring or MacGuffin, Chekhov’s gun is a plot device that – if used skilfully – can equip your narrative with a dramatic and satisfying denouement, all the while ensuring that you are not making false promises to your audience.

When discussing Chekhov’s gun, it is paramount to address the act of foreshadowing, as foreshadowing is the bedrock of the principle. In truth, Chekhov’s gun would cease to exist without foreshadowing, as it constitutes the very core of its purpose.