Deus ex machina?

Question

I'm writing a story, and have backed my characters into a corner that I'm not quite sure how to get them out of.

Rather than rewriting several pages of what I thought was good work, I am considering a deus ex machina to help them in their plight. However, I would rather rewrite than destroy the story with a silly twist, if it comes down to that.

I was just curious about the whole deus ex machina idea. When I'm reading a story and something miraculously happens, it can sometimes be frustrating and confusing. At the same time, if an author writes it with some finesse, it can be a great plot twist.

I just wanted an idea on how readers here generally feel about it and whether or not deus ex machina is something generally accepted by the majority of people, or is just annoying.

To be clear, this would be happening in the middle of the story rather than a twist ending.

Thanks for any input.

Answer 1

That depends on the purpose of this "deus ex machina". For example, 2 series of works that I've read from 2 authors who handled this very differently.

In George R. R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" series, his characters go through all sorts of trials and tribulations. Main characters die (granted he has a lot of characters to work with). Characters that were originally minor end up becoming main characters. A lot of the time, he shows you the plot surrounding a particular character, and you just think to yourself "Oh no, he wouldn't..." but he does! He's not afraid to twist and tear our hearts out, but we keep on coming back for more.

In contrast, Anne Bishop in her "Black Jewels Trilogy" creates a fairly interesting world, with likable main characters. They go through injury and pain too...however after a while you realize that the good guys always win. It got very predictable because the bad guys would provide a scare, but the good guys were always one step ahead, and everything would be okay in the end. You knew it, for a fact. Even if you want to root for the main characters, it ends up being rather disappointing.

Use the deus ex machina if you really have a great ending in mind that they have to reach, but personally I wouldn't suggest it if you just don't want to see them suffer. :D That's as much as I can advise given the details, good luck!

Answer 2

The practice of invoking the deus ex machina ("god in the machine") is frowned upon by both scholar and artist. It signifies a copout in plot or character construction that has either reached a place that the writer does not want the story to go or more often, a place that the writer can't get him or herself out of.

Rewrite it. Solve the problem and write a better story than the one you have.

Answer 3

Rewrite as many pages as you deem necessary to avoid using something as tired and forced as deus ex machina. This is the worst sort of plot device and has no place in contemporary fiction. Pick up any literary magazine, any decent novel, and you won't find deus ex machina anywhere in their pages. Publishers and readers today demand character-driven fiction. You need to let your characters do whatever they want, even if it's not something you originally planned. Let their emotions and ambitions drive the story and you'll have something real and enaging, not forced and stiff.

Answer 4

I think it can be a reasonable solution to your story problem as long as you lay some trace of foreshadowing that points in that direction however obliquely. Many fine writers, classical and modern, have used deus ex machina with success. Even Cormac McCarthy in his provocative Pulitzer prize winning novel The Road ends his story with a character intervening who could be construed as a deus ex machina type. And it works beautifully. Just don't have a "then she woke up" twist!

Answer 5

That is what makes literature fun if it is consistent with what you're writing. Try lucky though instead of miraculous as it works a little better. If you continue to use the introduced deus ex machina whatever it maybe though it can be a workable part of a story though if introduced too late it will feel like it corrupts the plot.

Answer 6

It sucks

The ending isn't as bad as "Author ex Machina" or "it was all a dream, but it still is a cheesy ending.

However, that's an ending, it isn't really deus ex machina if it happens in the middle of the book, it is just an event.

Answer 7

am not quite clear about your question but I'd say, deus-ex-machina is a literary theory critical terminology used to describe specific narrative strategies creative writers employ when in a rack.
As a creative writer, do not bother about making a particular character, for example, be the symbol of the sun. What I mean is that just tell your story and let the characters find their own way out of the corner or as the writer, they are your pawns and you can juggle them as you wish. Just kick their whatever out of the corner. The literary critics and readers will evaluate the methodology you deploy in their own terms according to their calling and aesthetic tastes.
As it were, it appears that you strangely, do not know what to do. You are certainly, not one of them. You are the story-teller. You are their Almighty and free to do as you will. The readers and literary critics will evaluate their authenticity and judge your creative abilities. Don't worry.
If the characters are are still unyielding meat-heads locked in that corner, then consider sending me the manuscript and I'll sure show them dunderheads why necessity is known as the mother of invention.

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Answer 8

Superman 2 springs to mind instantly; the amnesia kiss!! I mean that was just a joke and was pure laziness on the writers part. BQ: I'm a big Altman fan so happy belated birthday and R.I.P!! Shortcuts and the Player are two i've watched most recently and are just awesome. I'm gonna go Shortcuts- just for Tom Waits i think BQ2: Plots always important, the topic or subject of it i have no preference it's the execution. But if a movie makes no sense and the plot is convoluted and messy then we have a problem. Btw the way i love your questions always interesting and fun. Thanks

Answer 9

Forget about the plot and put in some sex and violence.
signed,
men everywhere