- If the creators try too hard to generate angst for the characters without accurately judging exactly how much angsty backstory the audience can reasonably tolerate, and don't take steps to pull back when they might be going too far, then Deus Angst Machina can be the result.
deus angst machina
noun; other word formation type modification of a common phrase 'deus ex machina', replacing 'angst' with 'ex' based on phonological similarity
a ridiculously contrived set of coincidences designed to create conflict or inner turmoil for a character
Etymology : deus, from L. 'god' angst, borrowing from G. Angst machina, from L. 'machine' (from Online Etymology Dictionary)
Source : http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AngstDissonance, Dec. 2008
Last modified: 3 December 2008