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reverse-deus-ex-machina
A narrative technique where instead of an unexpected power saving the characters, a series of failures removes their advantages to advance the plot.
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.