Chekhov’s Gun—Everything must be relevant. As a playwright, he established the idea that if you place a rifle on the stage, it must go off. When setting up your story, make sure the things you are drawing attention to have a place in your story. [SPOILERS COMING FOR THE MUMMY (1999)].

Whatever is set up on Act 1 must play a role in the resolution of the plot. And if you want to add a splash of poetry, parallel the opening scene with the climax. For example, in The Mummy (1999), Imhotep (the high priest) kills the pharaoh with a sword in the opening scene. And the same sword kills him. The pharaoh’s mistress and Imhotep’s lover, Anack Su Namun, also stabs the pharaoh with a dagger in the opening scene. It is part of Imhotep’s ceremony to resurrect her. She even attacks Evie with it, but it fails to protect her this time.

Perhaps a better example of Chekhov’s gun in this film is the Book of the Dead itself. Imhotep attempts to use it to resurrect Anack Su Namun in the opening scene, but fails. The book plays a prominent role throughout the film. Evie reads from it and awakens Imhotep. Her brother reads from it and awakens his priests. The fundamental conflict between Imhotep and the heroes is possession of this book. The story promises that this book is important and does not disappoint when it becomes the very weapon that helps the heroes defeat the mummy. A book with the power of life and death cannot simply serve as a fun set piece. If it is and plays no significant role, cut this item from your story.

Readers only have so much concentration and patience. Don’t waste their time with insignificant items, even if these items are cool. This applies to world-building as well. I once heard a brilliant piece of advice from a writer on YouTube: only add world-building details (items, places, cultural events, or people) as they become relevant to your story. Otherwise, you’ve wasted your reader’s time.