MacGuffin. What's yours?

[squirell nutkin]

The MacGuffin

MacGuffin (a.k.a. McGuffin or maguffin) is a term for a motivating element in a story that is used to drive the plot. Unlike Chekhov's Gun, it actually serves no further purpose — it won't pop up again later, it won't explain the ending, it won't actually do anything except possibly distract you while you try to figure out its significance. In some cases, it won't even be revealed. It is usually a mysterious package/artifact/superweapon that everyone in the story is chasing. It is the most famous kind of Plot Coupon.

So what is the MacGuffin in your life? What is it that drives the plot of your life along?

For me, right now, it is clearing the decks and preparing to come about.