Early Life & Abuse:
* Antwone's early life is filled with neglect and abuse: He is raised by his grandmother, who struggles to care for him. He experiences sexual abuse from a family friend, and his grandmother eventually sends him to live with foster parents, where he endures further abuse and neglect.
* Antwone develops anger and defiance: He struggles to cope with the trauma of his childhood and turns to violence and anger, leading to expulsion from high school and frequent encounters with the law.
* He joins the Navy: The Navy offers him a chance to escape his troubled past, but his emotional and psychological scars still plague him.
Meeting Dr. Sweeney:
* Antwone's path crosses with Dr. Sweeney: A psychiatrist assigned to him, who, unlike the other authority figures in his life, genuinely cares about him.
* Dr. Sweeney encourages Antwone to explore his past: He helps Antwone confront his trauma through therapy, which allows him to express his pain and begin the healing process.
Confronting His Past:
* Antwone begins a journey of self-discovery: Through therapy, he starts to understand the impact of his past experiences on his current behavior. He begins to question his identity and purpose.
* Antwone's anger and defiance gradually subside: As he confronts his pain, he starts to develop a sense of self-worth and begins to trust others.
* He faces his abusers: Antwone gathers the courage to confront his abusers, both the family friend and his foster parents. This confrontational act is a major turning point in his journey, marking a shift from victimhood to survivor.
Finding His Identity:
* Antwone embraces his experiences: He begins to see his past as a source of strength and resilience.
* He develops a sense of hope and purpose: He finds a passion for writing and starts to believe in his potential to achieve a better future.
The rising action culminates in Antwone's decision to pursue writing: He sees it as a way to share his story and help others who have suffered similar trauma. This decision signifies a fundamental shift in his life, setting the stage for the resolution of the novel.
While this is a concise overview, the rising action of "Finding Fish" is a gradual process of self-discovery and healing. It is a deeply personal journey of overcoming adversity and finding one's true identity.