1. The Introduction of the Doll's House: The story begins with the arrival of the beautiful doll's house, a source of excitement and envy for all the children. This immediately creates a social hierarchy among them, with the Burnell sisters, who are considered "nice" and "proper," as the initial recipients of the doll's house.
2. The Exclusion of the Kelveys: The Burnell sisters' initial decision to not let the Kelvey sisters play with the doll's house sets the stage for the main conflict. The Kelveys are ostracized and considered "bad" by the other children, creating a clear divide between the two groups. This exclusion is further emphasized by the Burnells' blatant refusal to invite the Kelvey sisters to their party.
3. The Desire for Acceptance: The Kelveys, especially the younger sister, Lottie, are deeply affected by their exclusion. Their longing for acceptance and belonging is palpable. Lottie's desperate attempts to see the doll's house and her yearning for interaction with the Burnell sisters are both heartbreaking and revealing.
4. The Shift in Perspective: The arrival of the Kelveys at the Burnell's house, initially for a brief glimpse at the doll's house, and their interaction with the Burnell sisters, especially with Isabel, create a turning point. While the other children maintain their distance and prejudice, Isabel starts seeing the Kelveys differently. This shift in her perspective, although subtle, marks a change in the dynamics of the story.
5. The Moment of Revelation: The doll's house is a symbol of the class divide and social prejudice present in the story. The Burnell sisters' initial rejection of the Kelveys and their continued exclusion highlight the harsh reality of social hierarchy, while Isabel's newfound compassion and the Kelveys' desperate yearning for acceptance build the tension to a climax. This moment of revelation for Isabel, even though unspoken, is a key element in the rising action.
The rising action in "The Doll's House" culminates in the emotional impact of the Kelveys' exclusion and the revelation of Isabel's empathy, leading to the climax of the story, which is the Kelveys' silent, poignant encounter with the doll's house.