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Deus ex machina (/ ˌ d eɪ ə s ɛ k s ˈ m æ k ɪ n ə, ˈ m ɑː k-/ DAY-əs ex-MA(H)K-in-ə, Latin: [ˈdɛ.ʊs ɛks ˈmaːkʰɪnaː]; plural: dei ex machina; English "god from the machine") is a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly or abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence.
deus ex machina, a person or thing that appears or is introduced into a situation suddenly and unexpectedly and provides an artificial or contrived solution to an apparently insoluble difficulty.
For example, if a character fell off a cliff and a flying robot suddenly appeared out of nowhere to catch them, that would be a deus ex machina. The goal of this device is to bring about resolution, but it can also introduce comedic relief, disentangle a plot, or surprise an audience.
Deus ex machina (pronounced DAY-us ex MACK-in-uh) is Latin for “a god from the machine.” It’s when some new character, force, or event suddenly shows up to solve a seemingly hopeless situation. The effect is usually unexpected, and it’s often disappointing for audiences.
The New Latin term deus ex machina is a translation of a Greek phrase and means literally "a god from a machine." "Machine," in this case, refers to the crane that held a god over the stage in ancient Greek and Roman drama.
DEUS EX MACHINA definition: 1. an unnatural or very unlikely end to a story or event, that solves or removes any problems too…. Learn more.
Feb 24, 2022 · Deus ex machina definition. Deus ex machina is a storytelling technique where a character’s conflict is solved by the sudden appearance of a new character or an implausible event. This event, or character, usually saves the hero from an otherwise hopeless situation.
Definition and a list of examples of deus ex machina. A deus ex machina solves a seemingly intractable problem in a plot by adding an unexpected situation.
Nov 24, 2021 · The deus ex machina device is generally regarded as a cheap way to insert an easy conclusion, but it can also function as a comedic device or add an element of surprise. Learn the meaning of deus ex machina and how it continues to function in today’s creative writing landscape.
Feb 28, 2023 · Deus ex machina is a plot device in which a seemingly unsolvable problem or conflict is resolved suddenly and unexpectedly by the introduction of a new character, event, or object. This resolution is often contrived, improbable, or artificial and does not arise organically from the story.