macguffin
/məˈɡʌfɪn/
noun
- An object, event, or character in a story that serves as the trigger for the plot, even though it may not be important in itself.
- Writers often use a MacGuffin to give characters a reason to chase after something.
- The briefcase in the film was a classic MacGuffin—everyone wanted it, but its contents were never revealed.
- In many spy movies, the secret formula is just a MacGuffin that drives the action.
Synonyms