: Aim to include details that advance the plot or develop a character. If an object or piece of information is emphasized, it should serve a purpose later in the narrative.
: Use subtle hints to prepare the reader for the climax. This builds tension and makes the eventual "firing of the gun" feel earned rather than random. : Aim to include details that advance the
Here is a story that follows this principle of setup and payoff. The Long Story of the Iron Key or a unique skill
: Maintain the internal logic of the world. Whether the "gun" is a literal object, a secret, or a unique skill, its final use should align with the rules established at the beginning of the story. : Aim to include details that advance the