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Questions tagged [deus-ex-machina]

A Deus Ex Machina is a plot device, often appearing out of nowhere and having no previous introduction, which spontaneously arrives to solve an otherwise unsolvable problem. Use this tag for questions specifically about Dei Ex Machina, including whether or not to use them and how to avoid them.

A Deus Ex Machina is a plot device, often appearing out of nowhere and having no previous introduction, which spontaneously arrives to solve an otherwise unsolvable problem.

Dei Ex Machina are generally indicative of a writer who has written himself into a corner, and now must rely on something out of the blue to save the day. It is generally frowned upon by writers and readers alike.

A classic example of a Deus Ex Machina is J.R.R. Tolkein's Eagles, which repeatedly show up to save the day.

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Is there such a thing as too inconvenient?

I find myself often being irritated at elements in situations that help characters succeed, elements which are also highly unlikely or even illogical. But often, if not more, I find myself angered by things that too inconvenient. Improbably…
A. Kvåle
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What's the difference between Deus Ex Machina and coincidence?

I've read 1, 2, 3 and of course, 4. Then I read 5 and 6 and even 7. I was blissfully ignorant about coincidence, DEM and plot-convenience; but now, I'm just confused about the difference. I feel there is a difference though I suspect it's the…
ewokx
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Avoiding Deus Ex Machina resolutions?

Most Crime/Thriller Novels usually have a sudden, unexpected plot twist that puts the main character in a really hopeless situation. One way to resolve this is by using a "Deus Ex Machina", that is a character that suddenly appears out of nowhere…
Michael Stum
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How to foreshadow to avoid a 'deus ex machina'-construction

The plot in my story revolves around a certain ability of the MC that is normally not available, unless the circumstances are just right. Therefore, it is not mentioned in the story as a solution to the MC's problem, as the ability is considered to…
Century
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Deus Ex Machina -- How to identify?

I got a critique today from someone and they told me I was using a "Deus Ex Machina". I did some poking around on here, and I question if it really is one. I found a link -- and it says within the first 20-25% I can get away with it. But does that…
Sierra
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Is a stroke of luck acceptable after a series of unfavorable events?

The protagonist sets out on a journey to reach a goal. But the further he gets into the story, the clearer he understands that the odds aren't in his favor. He experiences loss, frustration, anger, fatigue. He falls, rises again, and falls once…
Liquid
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How do you make random chance/happenstance not seem like deus ex machina?

I like card games, particularly Magic: the Gathering, because they're a nice mixture of strategy and luck. I don't like chess because it's pure strategy, and I don't like bingo because it's pure luck (this analogy is an oversimplification). For a…
John Doe
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How do I plot the defeat of an all-knowing, god-like antagonist?

I have a plot bunny lingering in my head about a rag-tag band of defective cyborgs facing off against a god-like supercomputer. I've outlined a great deal but I'm frequently finding that it's difficult to come up with clever ways that the group wins…
shannana
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How to plausibly write a character with a hidden skill

TLDR How to keep a character's skillset hidden, when it will be key in the story later on? This must be done without magic and as subtly as humanly possible. I am working on a medieval fantasy story, where there is a basic premise of magic - it has…
J Crosby
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From a writing standpoint, what is the value of Deus Ex Machina?

Deus ex machina is considered by TV Tropes to be a sub-trope to asspulling, and thus, often considered a bad writing trope. Now, unlike most other bad writing tropes, that have their roots in fanfiction, it has a nifty Latin name and dates back to…
Mephistopheles
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Is there a term for (bad) plot twists that rely on information not yet available to the audience?

My understanding is that plot twists, whether they're in the protagonist's favour or not, are bad writing if they could not have been seen as plausible with prior information (in case this is relevant, do not assume the opposite is true). An example…
BCLC
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Is it a deus ex machina if the alternative is illogical?

Background: I know to avoid Deus Ex Machinas - meaning to me a sudden and unexpected solution arriving out of nowhere to save an otherwise unsolvable problem. They are often indicative of a writer who has written himself into a corner, and has to…
Thomas Reinstate Monica Myron
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How to include multiple rare events in a story without it feeling contrived?

I'm working on a detailed plot outline for a fantasy story that revolves around three main characters, Liana, Celia, and Ander. Here's a brief overview: Celia suffers from a condition called "Essence Depletion Syndrome," leading her life essence to…
Mikayla Eckel Cifrese
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Limitations of a Clairvoyant Ability

I've heard that in fictional magic systems, what's most important is not a character's power(s), but its limitations. That's an issue I'm running into with one of my novel's main characters, who has the ability of person-specific clairvoyance; i.e…
IntoTheVoid
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Intentionally writing a Deus Ex Machina?

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. At one point near the end of my story, I intentionally pulled a huge Deus Ex Machina that has no previous explanation, hint or even justification. In fact, I could (and may or may not) completely remove that plot point…
HugoBDesigner
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