The Domino Effect in Fiction

Whether you compose your novel off the cuff or take your time with a careful outline, the process of plotting a fiction story ultimately comes down to one question: What happens next? Using the domino effect in your work can help you answer this question and keep your readers hooked.

The word “domino” refers to a set of interlocking rectangular or square tile-like pieces that are each marked with an arrangement of dots, called pips, on one side and blank or identically patterned on the other. Each domino has a line or ridge down the center that divides it visually into two squared ends, which are sometimes referred to as values. A domino’s value is determined by the number of pips on each end—more pips means a higher value, less pips means a lower value.

Dominoes can be used to play a variety of games, both individual and team-based. Some games have specific rules, while others are more flexible. For example, the number of dominoes a player begins with may vary from game to game. Some games require that all dominoes be played before the game can end, while others allow players to “chip out” when they can’t play another domino.

As you play, the line of dominoes that are laid and the sequence of tiles played will form a pattern called a layout, string, or line of play. Typically, the dominoes will be laid so that their open ends are adjacent to each other. During play, the players will add and remove dominoes from the layout as they are played and moved. In addition, the line of play will often be interrupted when a player cannot place a domino or the line is complete.

Like the playing cards of which they are a variant, dominoes are often crafted from natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony. These types of sets are usually more expensive than those made from polymer materials, but they tend to look more appealing and have a heavier weight.

In the 1960s, Domino’s founder Tom Monaghan started his company in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He positioned his pizza outlets near college campuses so that he could attract customers who were looking for a quick bite to eat. He also paid close attention to customer feedback and addressed any complaints immediately.

Domino’s culture is based on the principle of putting people first. This approach helps employees thrive and creates a company that is a great place to work for both current and prospective talent. This is why it is a Top Workplace and has been recognized for Diversity & Inclusion, Leadership Development and People Operations. For more information on careers at Domino’s, please visit our Careers page. *Note: These examples were programmatically compiled from various online sources and may not be reflective of actual usage or the opinions of Merriam-Webster editors.