Domino is a type of game piece, usually flat and thumbsized, with one side bearing an arrangement of dots or spots and the other blank or identically patterned. It is often distinguished from a die by its ridged edge. Dominoes are used in a variety of games, some very simple and others quite complicated, involving matching ends of domino pieces or arranging them into lines or angular patterns. The word domino may also refer to a long, hooded cloak worn with a mask at carnival season or at a masquerade or to a domino puzzle.
A domino effect is a chain reaction that causes one event to impact another in a way that was not anticipated or desired. In the context of a political scandal, the term is often used to describe a cascade of events that begin with a single lie or indiscretion and lead to multiple allegations of wrongdoing and even corruption. It is sometimes used to describe the effects of a change in one industry or region on a whole sector or economy, such as when an oil spill prompts a rise in fuel prices that has an indirect impact on the cost of goods and services throughout the country.
The concept of a domino effect is widely applicable to many aspects of life. For example, the success of one business can prompt other businesses to follow suit, resulting in a wave of mergers and acquisitions. A domino effect can be a positive or negative development depending on how the event is handled. For instance, if a company takes steps to increase its profitability, it could lead to new opportunities for investors or employees, but it can also lead to increased competition and reduced customer service.
In writing, the domino effect is an effective technique for building tension and creating a compelling story. Whether you’re a pantster (writer who does not make detailed outlines of the plot) or a plotter using a tool such as Scrivener, you can use the analogy to help weed out scenes that don’t advance the story or that lack enough logical impact on those that come before it.
The domino effect is a useful tool for understanding why certain actions are considered immoral or inappropriate by most people. In order to avoid an immoral domino effect in your novel, you must give readers a reason and motivation for your character’s actions that explains why they are different from what most people would consider ethical or moral. Without that logic, your reader will likely feel cheated by the story and will lose interest. This is why it’s important to think carefully about how your character will respond to each situation before you write the scene. That way, your reader will understand the logic of your hero’s decisions and actions. This will make the reader more likely to buy into your story and enjoy it. Then they’ll want to read more of your work and recommend it to their friends.