Definition & Meaning of "deus ex machina"

What is "deus ex machina"?

Deus ex machina is a literary device where an unexpected and seemingly improbable solution is introduced to resolve a difficult or complex situation in a story. This term, which means "god from the machine" in Latin, originally referred to the practice in ancient Greek theater where a god was lowered onto the stage to resolve a plot's issues. In modern storytelling, it describes any sudden or overly convenient resolution that seems too out of place. For example, in a novel, if a character is trapped in a dire situation and suddenly finds a hidden escape route with no prior hint, this would be considered a deus ex machina.