MacGuffin
MacGuffin • \muh-GUH-fin\ • noun
: an object, event, or character in a film or story that serves to set and keep the plot in motion despite usually lacking intrinsic importance
Used in a sentence:
We codies are the MacGuffins that allow our addicts to continue their melodramatic performances.
As I am fond of saying, "no audience, no show".
Peace,
Gabe