Using the Domino Effect to Build a Strong Plot

Domino is a small oblong block, with each end bearing from one to six pips or dots; 28 of these pieces form a complete set. It is traditionally made from bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony, with contrasting black or white pips (inlaid or painted). Several kinds of games are played with dominoes by matching the values of ends and laying them down in lines and angular patterns. The word also refers to a large, hooded cloak with a mask covering the eyes worn at masquerades.

In this article we will discuss using the domino effect as a method of building an intriguing plot. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or take your time with a careful outline, plotting your story comes down to answering one simple question: what happens next? Domino effect techniques help you answer this question in a compelling way.

For example, you may have seen a domino construction in which the builder sets up a sequence of hundreds or thousands of dominoes in careful sequence, then nudges just one to tip it over. The rest fall in a beautiful cascade of rhythmic motion.

This type of construction is known as a “domino effect.” When one domino is tipped over, it triggers an entire chain reaction that can last for minutes, even seconds. During this time, the first domino stores energy, preventing it from moving until it receives an outside force to push it beyond its tipping point. The tiny nudge that causes the domino to go over is called a threshold event.

Hevesh, an artist and a professional domino setter, creates spectacular domino setups for movies, TV shows, and events, including album launches for pop stars. Her largest designs can contain more than 300,000 dominoes and take several nail-biting minutes to fall. Hevesh explains that she starts with an idea and then works backward to design the best domino effect possible. She then finds ways to achieve that effect, sometimes collaborating with other domino artists and physics experts.

The domino effect can be used to build a strong plot in any genre, from romance to action and adventure. By focusing on a specific moment that will trigger an entire chain of reactions, authors can structure their narratives to keep readers on the edge of their seat. This type of plotting is particularly helpful when constructing mysteries or thrillers, where the tension is often built around the question of who or what will be killed next. By considering the scene domino technique, writers can construct a story that will keep readers turning the pages.