What does "deus ex machina" refer to in a narrative?

The term "deus ex machina" originates from ancient Greek theater, where it literally means "god from the machine." In narratives, it refers to a plot device where an unexpected event or character appears suddenly to resolve a complicated situation or conflict. This plot twist often comes as a surprise to the audience and can feel contrived, as it introduces an external force that unravels the intricacies of the storyline.

In essence, "deus ex machina" serves to explain or simplify the resolution of conflicts that may appear insurmountable through the existing narrative elements. Thus, this choice accurately captures the essence of this literary device, ensuring readers understand how it functions within a story. The other options relate to different aspects of storytelling, such as character complexity, metaphor usage, and narrative perspective, but they do not effectively describe the specific meaning of "deus ex machina."