MACGUFFIN Meaning and
Definition
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A MacGuffin is a narrative device often used in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling, referring to an object, person, or goal that serves as a plot motivator or driving force, although it may hold little or no significance in and of itself. Coined by the film director Alfred Hitchcock, the term has become widely recognized in the realm of storytelling.
The MacGuffin typically sets the plot in motion and compels the characters to act or embark on a quest. Its actual nature or characteristics are often intentionally left vague or unimportant, as it mainly serves as a catalyst for the story's events or as a source of conflict. The viewer or reader is led to focus on how different characters perceive and pursue it, rather than the object or goal itself.
MacGuffins can vary widely, ranging from physical objects like a treasure chest or a mythical artifact, to elusive entities like love or revenge. The MacGuffin's value is subjective and mainly defined by the story's context and the characters' motivations. It is often the engine behind a protagonist's journey and the primary source of tension or suspense.
In essence, a MacGuffin is a storytelling tool that propels the narrative forward and provides a central focus for characters' actions and motivations. It is not necessarily meant to hold intrinsic value within the story world, but rather to create intrigue, generate conflict, and shape the course of the plot.
Common Misspellings for MACGUFFIN
- nacguffin
- kacguffin
- jacguffin
- mzcguffin
- mscguffin
- mwcguffin
- mqcguffin
- maxguffin
- mavguffin
- mafguffin
- madguffin
- macfuffin
- macvuffin
- macbuffin
- machuffin
- macyuffin
- mactuffin
- macgyffin
- macghffin
- macgjffin
Etymology of MACGUFFIN
The term "MacGuffin" is believed to have originated from the Scottish surname "MacGuffin" or "McGuffin". The exact etymology is not entirely clear, and its usage as a storytelling term was popularized by the renowned filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. It is suggested that Hitchcock first heard the term from his friend and screenwriter Angus MacPhail. The meaning of the word in the context of storytelling refers to an object, goal, or event that serves as the driving force of the plot but may have little or no intrinsic value in itself.
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