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Common plot errors: deus ex machina | 9 comments (8 topical, 0 hidden)
Great article (3.00/0) (#7)
by Roonblah on Fri Oct 08, 2004 at 09:30:15 AM PST
I agree that the deux ex machina cheats the readers, but at the same time I think it cheats the writers too. I never used to have a problem with deux ex machina until I started writing. It was then I realised what a lazy resolution it is. I want the characters to suffer and work things out for themselves. I love the satisfaction of finding a better way, a foreshadowed way. I don't want to cheat myself out of that. At the same time, it does pose another interesting challenge for me. I want to make a credible character out of someone who is a walking deux ex machina. Can it be done? Time will tell.

Thank you for the article, Janra.
"There will be an occasional happy, so that it might be crushed under the boot of the writer." Tim Minear

If Iain M Banks can do it... (3.00/0) (#8)
by Russell Dovey on Sun Oct 31, 2004 at 11:52:29 AM PST
...you can do it.

The Culture novels are full of exciting action, thought-provoking storylines and such, yet most single Culture SHIPS are walking (flying?) Deus Ex Machinas. It's even the name of one of the Plate-Class GCVs!
_ "Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light" - Spike Milligan
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Common plot errors: deus ex machina | 9 comments (8 topical, 0 hidden)
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