interlocking-system-failures

Multiple independent failures occurring simultaneously, creating a believable scenario that limits the protagonist's capabilities.

1 chapter across 1 book

A Fire Upon the Deep (2002)Vernor Vinge

Chapter 1013

This chapter contains a meta-textual note from the author, Vernor Vinge, explaining a narrative device used in the story—a 'reverse deus ex machina' involving interlocking system failures that neutralize the protagonist Pham and his ship's abilities. The author reflects on the plausibility of such failures to readers in 1992, anticipating that what seems incredible now may become commonplace or clichéd in the near future.