The Domino Effect in Fiction and Plotting
A domino is a set of rectangular tiles with a number of spots or markings on each end. A domino set is used to play games like Blocking and scoring. Some games require the matching of identical tiles, while others involve the toppling of all the pieces in a row. A domino set can also be used to make an elaborate sculpture.
The word “domino” derives from the Latin dominus, meaning lord or master. The first Domino’s restaurant was opened in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1967 by David Brandon and Maurice Monaghan. The chain’s early success was attributed to its focus on delivering pizza quickly. The company placed pizzerias near college campuses in an effort to reach students who were in need of a quick meal. By 1978, Domino’s had 200 locations.
When a student has a weak foundational skill, it can limit their ability to learn new material. This is because compensating for the weak skill tax working memory, which only has a certain amount of capacity to process information. This limitation can cause learning to slow down and even stop. This is why it’s important to provide support for students as soon as a weakness is identified.
For example, if you have a child with a weak reading skill, you can help them work on this skill by reading with them and asking them to repeat back what they just read. The more they practice this strategy, the more confident they will become in their abilities. You can also use an app or online program to help students with their weaknesses.
In fiction, the domino effect is a great way to show how one scene impacts the next. If you want your story to flow smoothly, consider how each scene logically relates to the previous and future scenes in your narrative. This will create a smooth action that keeps readers engaged until the climax of your story.
When it comes to plotting your novel, whether you’re a pantser, writing by the seat of your pants, or a planner who makes detailed outlines, the process comes down to a few key questions: What happens next? How does this affect the characters? And how does the character’s emotional state impact her reaction? Considering these questions and how the scene before it could influence a character’s motivation can help you construct an effective plot.
Hevesh, the artist who creates these intricate domino displays, tests each section of her creations before putting it together. This way, she can fix problems before they happen and ensure that everything will fall in place perfectly. A small nudge is all it takes to tip the first domino past its inertia. When it does, the potential energy that was stored in that domino is released, pushing on the next domino until it eventually falls over. Similarly, a slight nudge can change the entire course of your novel. This is why it’s important to test your novel and see how the different scenes fit together.