Definition

Noun: 1. A plot device: An object, goal, or event in a story, especially in a film or novel, that serves primarily to motivate the characters and drive the plot forward. Its specific nature is often unimportant to the overall story. 2. A narrative catalyst: Something that the characters care deeply about (e.g., stolen plans, a mysterious package, a secret formula), which creates conflict and action, but whose details are not the central focus for the audience.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The briefcase in "Pulp Fiction" is a classic MacGuffin; its contents are never revealed, but every character wants it.
  • In many spy films, the MacGuffin might be a list of secret agents or a powerful microchip.
  • Alfred Hitchcock explained that a MacGuffin is the thing the spies are after, but which the audience doesn't need to worry about.

Advanced Usage

• "The MacGuffin principle": Refers to the narrative technique of using an object or goal purely as a plot motivator.
  • The director employed the MacGuffin principle to keep the chase sequence exciting without bogging down the story with technical details.

Variants and Related Words

• McGuffin: An alternative, equally common spelling of the word.
  • Hitchcock himself used both spellings, MacGuffin and McGuffin.

Synonyms

• Plot device: A technique used to advance a story.
• Plot coupon (informal/slang): Humorous term for a MacGuffin, implying it is an item to be collected to progress the story.

Related Idioms

• "Chasing the MacGuffin": Describes a situation, often in real life, where people are pursuing a goal whose value or true nature is unclear or unimportant.
  • The corporate merger felt like chasing a MacGuffin; no one was sure why it was so important, but everyone was fighting for it.

Noun

1. (film) a plot element that catches the viewers' attention or drives the plot
   • the McGuffin was a key element of Alfred Hitchcock's films