1. The Struggle Begins:
* 84 Days of Bad Luck: The story begins with Santiago, an old fisherman, enduring 84 days without catching any fish. This sets the stage for his desperation and determination to break the streak.
* The Young Boy: Santiago's relationship with Manolin, a young boy who has been his apprentice, adds a layer of emotion to the story. He wants to help but his parents insist on his working with a successful fisherman.
* The Marlin Encounter: On the 85th day, Santiago finally hooks a large marlin, which marks the start of his struggle. He has hope for the first time in a long time.
2. The Epic Battle:
* Three Days and Three Nights: Santiago's battle with the marlin lasts for three days and three nights. He fights against the incredible strength of the fish, using all his skill and experience to stay connected.
* The Journey: The marlin pulls the boat far out into the sea, testing Santiago's endurance and resilience. He's pushed to his physical limits, facing hunger, thirst, and exhaustion.
* The Triumph and the Loss: Eventually, Santiago defeats the marlin and successfully brings it alongside his skiff. However, his victory is marred by the fact that he has no way to get the marlin home.
3. The Return Home:
* The Sharks: As Santiago travels back towards shore, he faces another challenge - sharks. They attack the marlin relentlessly, stripping it of its flesh and leaving Santiago with only the bones.
* The Fight Against Despair: Santiago battles against the relentless sharks with unwavering determination. He uses all his strength and resourcefulness to try and protect his prize. He's ultimately defeated but remains committed to his goal.
* The Journey's End: Despite losing the majority of the marlin to the sharks, Santiago returns to his village with the skeleton as a testament to his extraordinary struggle. He is a broken man, but his journey is filled with hope and determination.
4. The Final Moments:
* The Young Boy: Manolin arrives at Santiago's shack and is devastated by the state of the old fisherman, but his spirit remains unbroken.
* The Respect: The villagers see Santiago as a hero for his valiant fight. They gather around his shack and show him respect and admiration.
These events build tension, conflict, and anticipation, creating a sense of urgency and suspense that leads to the climax of the story. The rising action culminates in Santiago's return to shore, where he faces the consequences of his journey and the weight of his victory.