1. The Introduction of the Conflict: The story begins with the protagonist, a young boy named "the boy," feeling intensely lonely and isolated. He finds solace in the companionship of his grandfather, who teaches him about survival and the power of nature. However, their bond is threatened by the boy's father, who is a harsh and distant figure. The father represents the conflict between the boy's desire for love and connection and his fear of his father's disapproval.
2. The Boy's Growing Discontent: As the story progresses, the boy's resentment towards his father grows. He experiences his father's anger and coldness firsthand, witnessing his father's cruelty towards his mother and his brother. The boy's frustration escalates with each encounter, culminating in his father's violent outburst at a local store. This event serves as a turning point, solidifying the boy's decision to escape.
3. The Preparation for Escape: The boy's desire to leave becomes increasingly urgent. He feels trapped and suffocated by his father's dominance and the suffocating environment at home. He starts making preparations for his escape, accumulating supplies and planning his route.
4. The Triggering Event: The pivotal moment that propels the boy into action is his grandfather's death. This event intensifies the boy's feelings of abandonment and loneliness. He is now truly alone and realizes that he must take control of his own life.
5. The Decision to Run: With the grief of losing his grandfather and the constant pressure from his father, the boy finally reaches his breaking point. He decides to run away, seeking freedom and a life away from his father's control. This decision marks the end of the rising action and sets the stage for the climax and resolution of the story.
The rising action in "Powder" is characterized by a slow, deliberate build-up of tension and internal conflict. The boy's internal struggles and external pressures create a sense of inevitability, leading to a final, decisive moment where he chooses to break free from his oppressive environment.