Character Analysis
A friend of Benjamin's parents, Mr. McGuire is important for one reason and one reason only: he drops the most famous line in the whole movie. He and Ben have the following celebrated exchange at Ben's college graduation party:
MR. MCGUIRE: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
BENJAMIN: Yes, sir.
MR. MCGUIRE: Are you listening?
BENJAMIN: Yes, I am.
MR. MCGUIRE: Plastics.
To Benjamin's ears, this is totally soulless advice: the word "plastics" symbolizes the very future he wants to avoid—artificial and bland. In the end, he encounters his real future in the form of Elaine Robinson, who seems more meaningful to him than a corporate career.