+**Chekhov's Gun** is a [literary device](/wiki/literary_device) principle asserting that every element introduced in a story must be essential to the [plot](/wiki/plot). If a gun is shown in the first act, it must fire by the third, or it should not be there at all. This advises against extraneous details, ensuring narrative economy and purpose.
+## See also
+- [Foreshadowing](/wiki/foreshadowing)
+- [Red Herring](/wiki/red_herring)
+- [Deus ex machina](/wiki/deus_ex_machina)
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