Hitchcock's MacGuffin

A MacGuffin is a plot device popularized by filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. It refers to an object, event, or character that drives the story forward but is ultimately unimportant to the overall narrative. While characters may pursue the MacGuffin passionately—be it a stolen document, a mysterious briefcase, or a hidden treasure—its significance lies in how it affects their motivations and interactions, rather than its inherent value. Essentially, the MacGuffin serves to engage the audience while allowing the story's deeper themes and character developments to unfold.