The "MacGuffin"

The "MacGuffin" is a type of plot device that Alfred Hitchcock made famous by his extensive use of it. The term refers to a small detail or character that the director and writer use to form the plot. For instance, in the famous film Vertigo, the "MacGuffin" is a woman who dies, and her death starts off a series of events. Although the original detail becomes less important than the subsequent events in the plot, the action is instigated and pushed by this "MacGuffin."

In The Big Sleep, Howard Hawks uses a similar technique when he creates the character of Shawn Regan. Regan has suddenly disappeared after spending a long time working for General Sternwood. Although the General is concerned about Regan, he is more concerned about stopping the renewed blackmail threats. Thus, he contacts Marlowe to investigate the threats and put an end to them.

Although...