MacGuffin: Etymology and Term
The term “MacGuffin” is believed to have originated from a humorous anecdote shared by the British filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock used the term to describe a plot device or element in a narrative, often a film or story, that serves as a catalyst for the characters’ actions or motivations. While the specific etymology of the word remains somewhat elusive, Hitchcock popularized the concept, and it has become a widely recognized and used storytelling tool in the world of cinema and literature.
A MacGuffin is a storytelling device. It refers to an object, goal, or situation within a narrative, typically a film or story, that serves as a driving force for the characters’ actions and motivations.
Its specific nature or importance to the audience is often vague or inconsequential, as its primary function is to create tension and suspense while directing the plot.
It allows the audience’s focus to shift towards the characters’ interactions and developments, making it a valuable tool for building suspense and engagement in storytelling.
MacGuffin: Meanings
| Aspect | Meaning |
| Plot Device | A MacGuffin is a narrative element, often an object or goal, used to drive the plot forward and motivate the characters’ actions. |
| Ambiguity | It is typically characterized by its vague or inconsequential nature, with the audience knowing little about the MacGuffin’s specific details or significance. |
| Tension and Suspense | The presence of a MacGuffin creates tension and suspense in the narrative as characters pursue, protect, or seek to understand it. |
| Character Motivation | MacGuffins serve as a catalyst for characters’ motivations and behaviors, propelling the story’s development. |
| Hitchcockian Origin | Coined by Alfred Hitchcock, the term has become a widely recognized and used storytelling tool in cinema and literature. |
MacGuffin: Theoretical Term Definition
The term “MacGuffin” originated from filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and represents a narrative device, often an object or goal, that propels a story forward by motivating the characters’ actions.
MacGuffins are characterized by their deliberate ambiguity, as the audience typically knows little about their specific details or importance. Their primary function is to create tension, suspense, and character motivation, directing the plot while allowing the focus to shift toward character interactions and developments.
MacGuffin: Theorists, Works, and Arguments
| Theorist | Work | Argument |
| Alfred Hitchcock | North by Northwest and Psycho | Hitchcock emphasized the importance of the MacGuffin as a plot device, asserting that it serves to engage the audience’s interest while allowing the characters and their interactions to take precedence. |
| Steven Spielberg | Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Spielberg’s use of MacGuffins highlights their versatility in different genres, from adventure to science fiction, and their effectiveness in driving narratives. |
| George Lucas | Star Wars franchise, such as the Death Star plans and the droids | Lucas’s use of MacGuffins in the context of epic space opera underscores their role in creating mythic and adventurous storytelling elements. |
| Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” | This film is often cited as a prime example of the MacGuffin concept, as the pursuit of government secrets functions as the MacGuffin, driving the plot and character actions. | These theorists, works, and arguments highlight the enduring significance and versatility of the MacGuffin as a storytelling device, shaping audience engagement and character dynamics in various cinematic contexts. |
MacGuffin: Major Features of Term
- Plot Advancement: A MacGuffin is a narrative device that serves as a catalyst for advancing the plot, driving characters to pursue or protect it.
- Ambiguity: MacGuffins are intentionally vague or inconsequential in their specific details or significance, allowing the audience’s focus to shift to character interactions.
- Tension and Suspense: The presence of a MacGuffin creates tension and suspense in the story, as characters engage with it or others in pursuit of it.
- Character Motivation: MacGuffins act as a motivator for characters’ actions and decisions, propelling the story’s development.
- Hitchcockian Origin: Coined by Alfred Hitchcock, MacGuffin is a term that has become widely recognized and used in cinematic storytelling, shaping audience engagement and character dynamics.
MacGuffin: Application in Critiques
| Novel | Critique |
| The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett | In Hammett’s classic detective novel, the Maltese Falcon statue acts as the MacGuffin, driving the characters to pursue it relentlessly. The statue’s ambiguity and perceived value intensify the plot’s suspense. This novel demonstrates how a seemingly ordinary object can become the focal point of a thrilling narrative, highlighting the effectiveness of the MacGuffin in the crime genre. |
| The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown | Brown’s novel employs the Holy Grail as a MacGuffin, which triggers a quest that uncovers historical secrets. The MacGuffin serves as a compelling plot device, propelling characters to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries. This novel showcases how a cryptic and highly sought-after object can fuel an intricate narrative, making the MacGuffin a central element in a modern thriller. |
| Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (film) | In this cinematic adventure, the Holy Grail becomes the MacGuffin, driving Indiana Jones in his quest. It not only advances the plot but also adds depth to the character of Indiana Jones, as his motivations and values are revealed through his pursuit of the Grail. The film exemplifies how the MacGuffin can be a driving force in action-adventure storytelling. |
| Pulp Fiction (film) by Quentin Tarantino | Tarantino’s film introduces the mysterious briefcase as the MacGuffin, sparking intrigue and suspense. The contents of the briefcase are never revealed, creating a sense of ambiguity and drawing the audience’s attention away from the specifics, focusing instead on character interactions and the complexities of the narrative. This film highlights the MacGuffin’s ability to generate curiosity and discussion, even when its nature remains enigmatic. |
MacGuffin: Suggested Readings
- Hitchcock, Alfred. Hitchcock on Hitchcock: Selected Writings and Interviews. University of California Press, 1995.
- Wood, Robin. Hitchcock’s Films. A. Zwemmer, 1965.
- Zizek, Slavoj. The Pervert’s Guide to Cinema. Documentary film, 2006.