Domino is a small rectangular block used as a gaming object, usually made of rigid material such as wood or plastic. The domino is typically painted in bright colors and can be decorated with patterns or images. A domino can be used in a number of different games, most notably in the game of tic-tac-toe. It is also used as a building block in construction and as a visual element in art projects. In addition to its gaming uses, the domino is a symbol of cause and effect.
Dominoes are stacked on their sides in long lines to create complex structures, often in the shape of letters or numbers. When the first domino in a row is tipped over, it triggers a chain reaction that causes each successive domino to tip until all of them topple. This phenomenon has led to the popular expression, “the domino effect,” which describes a sequence of events that results from one simple change.
In writing, the domino effect can be an effective way to create a plot. The key is to build a story with carefully timed scenes that advance the hero toward or away from his goal and keep the pace moving quickly. If you write a scene that is too long, the reader may become bored and lose interest. If you write a scene that is short, it might feel incomplete or like a filler between other more important events. When the scene reaches its end, the reader will want to see the next challenge or goal pretty quickly.
Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or use a careful outline, the process of plotting a novel comes down to one question: What happens next? The answers to this question are what make a story compelling. Considering how to apply the domino effect to your writing will help you create a story that will draw readers in and leave them wanting more.
The word domino is derived from the Latin dominus, meaning master or lord. As such, it is a symbolic name that reminds the bearer to be cautious and think two steps ahead. This name is perfect for a man who knows that every action has a consequence, and that every mistake can have far-reaching effects.
The term domino is also used to refer to a set of these small rectangular blocks, 28 in a complete set. The dominoes have a blank or identically patterned face on one side and an arrangement of dots or pips, similar to those on dice, on the other. A domino that has been tipped over causes a chain reaction that will result in the rest of the dominoes falling over, either in the same line or in an angular pattern. The game of dominoes is a popular pastime and has been used to teach children the principles of chance, probability, and cause and effect. The game also teaches social skills through the use of cooperation and teamwork.