Literally "God from the machine", Deus Ex Machina originally referred to Greek plays, where the "gods" would be lowered onto the stage in order to provide a quick resolution to the story. Today, Deus Ex Machina refers to any improbably and/or overly convenient character or mechanism that comes out of nowhere saves the character(s) from their doom.
For a hilarious send-up of Deus Ex Machina, check out the spaceship scene in Monty Python's Life of Brian.
by Gazuga April 26, 2004
Situation in which one escapes by means noone could distinctly or indirectly predict.
Plot device in which the author makes up stupid shit to save his character.
Plot device in which the author makes up stupid shit to save his character.
None needed.
by larstait October 08, 2003
is without a doubt an archetype considered as a quasi-impetus of a prevalent trope that strides to an extensively particular culmination which opts to incorporate an unorthodox and haphazard prospect which is scrupulously and circuitously contrived to presumably rectify borderline incorrigible conundrums or circumstances in order to deliberately expedite an ideal and feasible impending crux that would transpire in a plausible but inexplicable manner which usually aggregates a plethora of complex multifaceted serendipitous outcomes; On the contrary however, it absolutely entails the omission of the obligatory, arbitrary and elusive logic inclined to expedite an ideal and immutable apotheosis but only on the off chance if certain intrinsic characters would go out on a limb hence, leaving them apparently in the midst of a vastly dire escapade and are currently inevitably beleaguered; nonetheless, if delved on furthermore through meticulously scrutinizing the intricate logic; this on the other hand would somehow instigate elicit recurring aberration instilled in the underlying recesses of our objective, biased and condescending judgement thus when overtly eluded under the influence of its predicament, it could cause certain implications such as aspects of double standard; unless marred by its beguiling provocative matter, hence relinquish its purpose and haplessly render it negligible and incomprehensibly desultory.
"That scene where the animated Cat Agent's debut in the "Last Action Hero" movie when he saved Jack Slater was apparently a Deus Ex Machina at this point since there was no indication and clue whatsoever of his sudden inclination of saving Jack Slater at the last minute."
by TrickyJebus April 09, 2016
Whilst also given other definitions (that are correct), deus ex machina may also refer to a character from the anime series Mirai Nikki (Future diary); the god imagined by yukii-kun who is behind the major plot-device in this series.
by RealSoap July 08, 2015
LatinNoun.
meaning God from the machine.
It refers to greek tragedy plays where a "god" would be lowered from rope (hence "machines") to solve all the charicters delimas.
Also, my Handlealias.
meaning God from the machine.
It refers to greek tragedy plays where a "god" would be lowered from rope (hence "machines") to solve all the charicters delimas.
Also, my Handlealias.
by Zac Beaumont April 15, 2004
A literary device used primarily in film in which the protagonists' seemingly impossible dilemma is solved through an unexpected and improbable gambling windfall, such as winning the jackpot.
Moviegoer 1: Couldn't they have thought of a better way for them to pay him back than just winning $80,000 in blackjack?
Moviegoer 2: Yeah, the writers pulled a total deus ex slot machina...
Moviegoer 2: Yeah, the writers pulled a total deus ex slot machina...
by atds June 21, 2009