Vocabularium

I promise never to use this concept in any of my books.

deus ex machina (de·us ex ma·chi·na): / DAY uhs eks MAH kuh nuh / (always italicized)
noun

(1) a contrived, unconvincing device (such as an improbable character or event) used to unexpectedly resolve the plot difficulties of a story
(2) a god lowered onto the stage via an overhead crane and introduced into a play to resolve plot entanglements or extricate the protagonist from a difficult situation (from Greek and Roman theater)

[From Latin deus ex machina meaning “god from a machine.” The machina was used in Greek and Roman theaters to lower actors and props onto the stage from overhead.]

Usage: The use of deus ex machina in drama and fiction is the most unacceptable device a writer can employ.

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