Deus ex Machina

A deus ex machina is a plot device, commonly used when an author has written themselves into a corner. It is a way to "save the day" by random, often by magical or pseudo-magical means. If the hero is dangling at the edge of a cliff with a villain stepping on his fingers, a flying robot suddenly appears to save him. Dei ex machina are also often used by 'Sues.
The term deus ex machina literally means god from the machine, and originates from Ancient Greek theater. It refers to situations in which a crane (machine) was used to lower actors or statues playing a god or gods (deus) onto the stage to set things right, often near the end of the play. It has since come to be used as a general term for any event in which a seemingly fatal plot twist is resolved by an event never foreshadowed or set up.
Category:Terminology