A domino is a flat, thumbsized rectangular block, each face either blank or bearing from one to six pips (or dots). A domino can be used in a variety of games, and it’s also possible to create artwork with them. The term is sometimes applied to a specific technique of laying down a chain of dominoes, creating an arrangement that looks as if it will fall in a particular way but then suddenly changes course or ends altogether.
Dominos can be arranged to make patterns, including straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall and stacked walls. In some cases, they can even be made to fall in 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. When a Dominoes artist plans a domino design, she typically starts by considering the theme and purpose of an installation. Then she brainstorms images or words that might fit with that theme. She might even make sketches of the overall layout before she begins constructing it.
The most common domino game involves scoring points by arranging a line of dominoes end to end. Each end must touch another end to be valid, and the total value of the exposed pips on both sides is counted. Each tile may then be played to either of two positions on the ends, depending on the type. Doubles, for example, must be placed perpendicular to each other and touching fully; otherwise they will not count.
When the first domino falls, much of its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, which gives it the energy needed to push the next domino. Then the energy travels from domino to domino until each is pushed over or the chain ends.
If a domino doesn’t have enough potential energy to overcome its inertia, it will remain right where it is. But a little nudge can give it the push it needs to tumble over and begin its descent. As each domino falls, more and more of its energy is transferred to the next until it is too heavy and finally knocked over.
As the chains of dominoes in a game build, they create momentum that eventually leads to a spectacular climax. A similar effect can be seen in a well-written story. Every scene acts as a domino that influences what happens next. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or follow an outline, thinking about domino effects will help you ensure that all of your scenes are positioned strategically to lead up to your big climax.
Whenever you see a domino show, the builders set up thousands of dominoes and then line them up in careful sequence before an audience of fans. The effect is mesmerizing, and it’s a perfect analogy for how narrative works. A great story builds and builds until the climax, and the only way to create such an effect is to set the scene dominoes up properly. When you have all the scene dominoes in place, your readers will be able to follow your smooth plot progression and won’t get bogged down by a story that stalls or stumbles.