Domino, also known as dominoes or tiles, are small rectangular blocks used as gaming pieces that can be stacked on end to form long lines and then knocked over. These simple toys are a fun way to pass the time and can even inspire some very complex designs to be made with them. But they’re also a good example of the “domino effect,” a term that describes how one simple action can lead to much greater consequences. In fiction, this idea can be applied to the structure of a plot and help us understand how to write more compelling stories.
For writers, plotting a novel often comes down to answering the question: What happens next? Whether we compose our manuscripts off the cuff or take our time with a careful outline, our goal is to keep readers turning the pages. The best way to do that is by understanding the power of domino effect.
A domino is a small rectangular block, flat on both sides and typically twice as wide as it is tall. It features a central line that divides it visually into two squares, each of which has a number of dots or marks resembling those on dice called pips. The value of each end may range from six to zero to blank; this value determines the rank or weight of a domino, which is used in some games as a means of scoring.
Most domino sets include 28 dominoes; this number is the minimum needed to play most games. To play a game, the players shuffle the dominoes, then place them in a central location, usually referred to as the boneyard. The players then draw dominoes from the boneyard, each taking turns drawing and playing a domino until one player wins.
Each time a domino is played, it triggers the falling of all the other dominoes on its left and right. Using this principle, the domino effect allows players to build a series of events that will eventually result in a victory or defeat for their character.
As we’ve discussed in past Wonders, the key to creating a successful domino effect in your writing is timing and pace. Your story must move quickly enough that readers want to keep reading to see what happens next, but the scenes should be sufficiently detailed and rich to allow the domino effect to work.
This is why it’s important to find a balance between your story structure and the level of detail in each scene. Too many details can overwhelm a reader, while not enough detail can make a scene seem shallow and uninteresting. As you write, think about your scene dominoes: what are the smallest parts of your scene that will have the greatest impact? What details will create the most dramatic and compelling outcome? These are the scene dominoes that will create the most dynamic and engaging story. The rest of your story is then built up around those scene dominoes, connecting them together to create the overall structure of your plot.