Chekhov's Unfortunate Housewarming

Anton Chekhov was once invited to a housewarming party. The host proudly showed him a decorative rifle mounted above the fireplace. 'Lovely piece,' Chekhov remarked, 'but you do realize someone will have to be shot with it by the end of the evening?' The host laughed nervously. Chekhov did not. He simply sat down, pulled out a notebook, and began writing character sketches of all the guests. The party ended early.