The Domino Effect in Writing
Domino is a game in which players try to build a row of dominoes before their opponent. The dominoes are usually rectangular, but may be any shape. Each has a series of pips on one side, similar to those on a die. The pips indicate the value of each domino. The simplest dominoes have just one domino, while larger versions might have as many as thirteen. When you play domino, it’s important to keep in mind that the next domino might be more valuable than the first, so it’s a good idea to think carefully before you place each one.
If you’re not careful, the domino effect can backfire. You might set up a row of dominoes that seems to be going well, but then something unexpected happens that changes the whole story. In an effective story, the dominoes fall smoothly, in a way that builds the tension and carries the story to its climax.
A well-written plot is like a domino chain: Each scene should add to the previous ones, creating an ever-increasing level of suspense and conflict. The key is to make sure that each scene builds and reveals just enough information about the character’s motivations and intentions, while leaving plenty of room for future action. If a scene isn’t needed, don’t include it in the plot.
Whether you’re a pantser (writer who writes off the cuff) or a plotter who uses outlines and software tools to help organize your manuscript, the process of writing a novel ultimately comes down to one question: What will happen next? The order of scenes is crucial to the story’s progression, and thinking about the domino effect can help you plan your sequences in an interesting way.
The Domino Effect
Known as the Merc with a Mouth, Domino is a dangerous mutant who was born during the U.S. government’s Project Armageddon experiments. Able to manipulate the laws of probability, she often ensures her own luck through her mutant powers. She’s also a skilled martial artist, weapons expert and linguist.
Domino once served as Milo Thurman’s bodyguard, but their relationship ended when terrorist raids by A.I.M forced the scientist into deeper cover and Domino believed her to be dead. She later joined the mercenary team the Wild Pack, later renamed Six Pack, led by Cable and worked for X-Corporation in Hong Kong. While on a mission to El Salvador, she disabled a combat droid codenamed Jericho with an electromagnetic pulse, unaware that the device was neurologically controlled by rogue CIA agent Ekatarina Gryaznova and caused synaptical static in her brain, affecting her reflexes and reaction times.
After her stint with X-Corp, Domino teamed up with G. W. Bridge to prevent S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Danielle Moonstar from being exposed by the cyborg Reavers during Operation Zero Tolerance. Moonstar was impersonating the mercenary, who had been recruited by a new Six Pack member named Copycat. Domino later joined X-Force after a chaotic M-Day, and helped rescue mutants in Rumekistan and on the island of Providence.
Domino is a game in which players try to build a row of dominoes before their opponent. The dominoes are usually rectangular, but may be any shape. Each has a series of pips on one side, similar to those on a die. The pips indicate the value of each domino. The simplest dominoes have just one domino, while larger versions might have as many as thirteen. When you play domino, it’s important to keep in mind that the next domino might be more valuable than the first, so it’s a good idea to think carefully before you place each one. If you’re not careful, the domino effect can backfire. You might set up a row of dominoes that seems to be going well, but then something unexpected happens that changes the whole story. In an effective story, the dominoes fall smoothly, in a way that builds the tension and carries the story to its climax. A well-written plot is like a domino chain: Each scene should add to the previous ones, creating an ever-increasing level of suspense and conflict. The key is to make sure that each scene builds and reveals just enough information about the character’s motivations and intentions, while leaving plenty of room for future action. If a scene isn’t needed, don’t include it in the plot. Whether you’re a pantser (writer who writes off the cuff) or a plotter who uses outlines and software tools to help organize your manuscript, the process of writing a novel ultimately comes down to one question: What will happen next? The order of scenes is crucial to the story’s progression, and thinking about the domino effect can help you plan your sequences in an interesting way. The Domino Effect Known as the Merc with a Mouth, Domino is a dangerous mutant who was born during the U.S. government’s Project Armageddon experiments. Able to manipulate the laws of probability, she often ensures her own luck through her mutant powers. She’s also a skilled martial artist, weapons expert and linguist. Domino once served as Milo Thurman’s bodyguard, but their relationship ended when terrorist raids by A.I.M forced the scientist into deeper cover and Domino believed her to be dead. She later joined the mercenary team the Wild Pack, later renamed Six Pack, led by Cable and worked for X-Corporation in Hong Kong. While on a mission to El Salvador, she disabled a combat droid codenamed Jericho with an electromagnetic pulse, unaware that the device was neurologically controlled by rogue CIA agent Ekatarina Gryaznova and caused synaptical static in her brain, affecting her reflexes and reaction times. After her stint with X-Corp, Domino teamed up with G. W. Bridge to prevent S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Danielle Moonstar from being exposed by the cyborg Reavers during Operation Zero Tolerance. Moonstar was impersonating the mercenary, who had been recruited by a new Six Pack member named Copycat. Domino later joined X-Force after a chaotic M-Day, and helped rescue mutants in Rumekistan and on the island of Providence.