A domino is a small, flat rectangular block used as a gaming object. Dominoes are stacked on end in long lines and when one is tipped over, it causes the next domino in line to tip over, and so on. The result is a long chain reaction that can create very complex designs. Some players enjoy creating domino art, which may include curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, 3D structures like towers and pyramids, or even whole cities! Others prefer to play domino games, where a single move sets off a sequence of moves that results in a score. There are many different types of domino games, and each has its own rules and objectives.
Domino Effect
The domino effect is a popular phrase that refers to a situation in which one event leads to many more, often negative, events. It’s a useful model to explain how things can snowball and become out of control. This principle can also be applied to our everyday lives, in the way that one action or habit can have ripple effects. For example, if you start exercising regularly and develop good eating habits, you’ll likely find that other positive changes follow. It’s important to be patient as these changes take time to set in, but the process is worth it in the end.
When it comes to writing, the domino effect can help us understand how a scene influences the one that follows. For example, if a character does something that’s illogical or goes against societal norms, the reader might think the character is out of character and not like them anymore. However, if you provide enough logic behind the character’s actions, the domino effect can convince readers to keep liking your character.
Domino Effect in Writing
When you write, use the domino effect to help you plan out your scenes. For example, if you want to have your character reveal a secret that will lead to conflict, make sure the information is necessary for the story and that it will naturally influence the scenes ahead of it.
For example, you might have the character discover a key piece of evidence in the case that will lead to them being suspected of murder, but if you don’t give the reader sufficient reason for why they would suspect their character, then the scene won’t have enough impact on the rest of the story. To avoid this, try making an outline or using software like Scrivener to help you plot your stories.
