McGuffin

A McGuffin is a narrative device in stories—like movies or books—that propels the plot forward. It’s typically an object, person, or goal that characters pursue or protect, motivating their actions. The specific nature of the McGuffin often matters less than its role in driving the story; its primary purpose is to get characters into motion. For example, in Hitchcock films, the stolen secret document or briefcase often serves as a McGuffin, fueling the characters' conflicts and interactions without needing detailed explanation about the object itself.