Definition
What is rising action?
The series of events that lead up to the climax.
Rising action is everything between the inciting incident and the climax—the escalating series of conflicts, obstacles, and complications that build tension. Each scene should raise the stakes: problems get worse, obstacles grow higher, relationships strain, and the protagonist's resources dwindle. The best rising action creates a sense of inevitability while still surprising readers with how things escalate. It's typically the longest section of a story, and its quality determines whether readers reach the climax breathless or bored.
On the page
Rising Action examples
“The tension builds as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy misunderstand each other repeatedly before coming to a resolution.”
“As Romeo and Juliet fall in love, the feud between their families intensifies.”
Famous examples in literature
The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
From the Reaping through training, alliances, and arena survival—each chapter escalates danger while Katniss's resources diminish.
Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn
The rising action alternates between Nick's increasingly suspicious position and Amy's diary entries, building toward shattering revelations.
Jaws
Peter Benchley
Each shark attack is worse than the last: swimmer, boy on raft, man in boat. Stakes rise until confrontation becomes inevitable.
For writers
How writers use rising action
- Each scene should increase stakes—something must get worse
- Use 'yes, but' and 'no, and' to complicate victories and defeats
- Vary the type of obstacles: physical, emotional, relational, moral
- Include moments of false hope followed by setbacks
Why it matters
- Creates the tension that makes climaxes satisfying
- Develops character through increasingly difficult choices
- The quality of rising action determines if readers stay invested
- Proper escalation makes the climax feel earned, not sudden
Across different genres
The protagonist gets closer to the truth while the antagonist gets closer to the protagonist—dual escalation
Each encounter deepens connection while external obstacles multiply—families disapprove, rivals appear, secrets threaten
The threat becomes more real and more dangerous; escape routes close one by one
Clues accumulate but so do complications—new suspects, false trails, personal stakes for the detective
Common pitfalls
- Flat middle: If obstacles don't escalate, the middle sags
- Random complications: Problems should build on each other, not appear from nowhere
- Repetitive obstacles: Vary the type and source of conflict
- Too long: Even good rising action needs pacing—not every scene can be max tension
Try it in your own writing
- Thriller: Write three scenes where each solution creates a bigger problem than it solves
- Romance: Create an escalating series of near-confessions, each interrupted more dramatically
- Horror: Design five obstacles where each escape attempt leaves the character worse off
Quick answers
Rising Action FAQ
What is rising action?
The series of events that lead up to the climax. Rising action is everything between the inciting incident and the climax—the escalating series of conflicts, obstacles, and complications that build tension. Each scene should raise the stakes: problems get worse, obstacles grow higher, relationships strain, and the protagonist's resources dwindle. The best rising action creates a sense of inevitability while still surprising readers with how things escalate. It's typically the longest section of a story, and its quality determines whether readers reach the climax breathless or bored.
What are some examples of rising action?
The examples on this page include Pride and Prejudice and Romeo and Juliet. Each one shows how the device works in context.
How can writers use rising action effectively?
Each scene should increase stakes—something must get worse Use 'yes, but' and 'no, and' to complicate victories and defeats Vary the type of obstacles: physical, emotional, relational, moral