How does Dionysius mocking Damon for taking Pythias's place advance the plot of the story?

Answer:Dionysius mocks Damon for believing Pythias will return to save him, creating surprise when Pythias does return. Dionysius sentences Pythias to death for speaking out against him, creating the central conflict in the story ... Dionysius's hot temper leads many in the city to fear him, creating tension in the story.