Domino is a small rectangular block, thumbsized, bearing from one to six pips or dots on each end. A complete domino set consists of 28 such tiles. The word is also used as a noun to describe a game played with these tiles, and as a verb meaning “to play a domino.” Games played with dominoes often involve setting them up in long lines or angular patterns. Each domino can then be tipped over, causing subsequent dominoes to fall and continue the chain. This has led to the common phrase, the domino effect, referring to an event that starts with a small action and leads to much larger (and sometimes disastrous) consequences.
Dominoes are also popular toys for children, who enjoy stacking them on their sides in a line and then knocking them over. The resulting patterns can be quite complex, and it’s a great way for kids to learn about balance and geometry.
The domino’s most popular use, however, is as a tool for creating artful layouts. A popular YouTube artist, Lily Hevesh, creates amazing sculptural arrangements of dominoes that are then photographed and posted online for her millions of fans to admire. She is even hired to create elaborate domino setups for movies, television shows, and events—including a recent album launch for pop singer Katy Perry.
In business, domino can refer to a project that has many interrelated parts, each of which must be completed for the project to progress as planned. A good domino is a task that contributes to a major goal and requires a significant chunk of time and focus to complete. When done well, the domino will have a positive ripple effect in the future.
For example, Domino’s CEO, Domino’s Pizza CEO Steve Doyle, has made it a core value of the company to listen to its customers and act on their feedback. This has helped the company to make a number of changes, including relaxed dress codes and new leadership training programs.
When creating a novel, the process of plotting can be likened to building a series of dominoes. Whether you write your manuscript off the cuff or take more time with an outline, every plot beat in your story is like a domino. Each plot point must be carefully considered, and each must lead to the next in a clear and compelling way.
If you’re not careful, the dominoes will fall out of sequence and cause your readers to lose track of what’s happening. To avoid this, think of each plot beat as a domino and consider how it will affect the overall plot of your story. This will help you ensure that your plot flows smoothly and makes sense from beginning to end. This is especially important in a thriller, where the stakes are higher than ever.