In a plasma display device having a three-dimensional matrix wiring arrangement of anodes (24), cathodes (27) and address electrodes (22), writing discharge is caused between anodes (24) and address electrodes (22) to temporarily store writing charge on a dielectric layer (23), and the writing charge is discharged as an auxiliary discharge by applying a sustaining voltage to the cathodes (27), thereby inducing main discharge between the anodes (24) and the cathodes (27).