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.
