What is a Deus ex Machina?
In writing, a deus ex machina happens when something (character, object, ability, event) suddenly resolves a seemingly unsolvable situation, usually at or near the climax. The "something" is unexpected or unlikely, coming out of nowhere.
The term deus ex machina is Latin and translates into "god from the machine." It references ancient Greek theater, where a god character would be lowered on a crane (machine), or raised through a trapdoor on a riser (machine), to resolve the story's problem. This pulls the story toward its conclusion.
Deus ex Machina Examples
Some examples of a deus ex machina include:
- A powerful, skilled minor character who abruptly shows up to save the protagonist by defeating the antagonist at the end.
- A protagonist suddenly finding a magical object that defeats the antagonist.
- An unexpected rainstorm that puts out a fire surrounding the heroes' homes.
- A character who abruptly reveals she's the sharpest shooter in the region, and she can make the unlikely, extremely difficult shot that will definitively thwart the antagonist.
- A pack of wolves charging into the clearing to take out the bad guy at just the right moment.
