Here's a breakdown of the main events:
The Glade:
* Arrival and the Rules: Thomas arrives in the Glade, a circular area surrounded by giant, ever-changing walls known as the Maze. He's the first to arrive with no memories, called a "Glade Runner," and is greeted by the other Gladers who have lived there for years. They have established a society with a strict hierarchy and rules, including daily explorations into the Maze to map its paths and escape.
* The Maze: The Maze is a dangerous labyrinth that changes its configuration every night, filled with deadly creatures called Grievers that attack those who get lost. Each day, the Gladers enter the Maze in teams called "runners" to try and map its pathways and find a way out.
* New Arrivals: Over time, other Gladers arrive in the elevator with no memories, including Teresa, who is the only girl. The Gladers struggle to understand the purpose of their confinement and their connection to the mysterious organization known as WICKED.
The Turning Point:
* The Maze's Secrets: Thomas and the other Gladers discover clues hidden within the Maze that reveal the sinister truth behind their situation. The Maze isn't a test, but a prison, and they are subjects of an experiment conducted by WICKED.
* Escape from the Glade: With the help of a mysterious message from Teresa, the Gladers realize they must escape the Glade before it's too late. They use their knowledge of the Maze and teamwork to finally navigate the labyrinth and escape.
* The World Beyond: After escaping the Maze, the Gladers encounter a desolate world devastated by a solar flare that caused a global apocalypse. They meet survivors who tell them about the dangers of the world and the powerful organization WICKED that seeks to control the remaining humanity.
The Aftermath:
* The Search for Answers: The Gladers find themselves in a new world full of dangers and uncertainties. They must uncover the truth behind their creation, the purpose of the Maze, and the real intentions of WICKED.
* Facing Their Past: As they journey through this harsh world, the Gladers learn more about their past and their connection to WICKED. They discover that they were chosen for the Maze experiment because of their unique qualities and abilities.
* A New Hope: Despite the challenges they face, the Gladers remain determined to find a way to rebuild the world and create a better future.
The Maze Runner is just the beginning of a larger story. It sets the stage for the subsequent books in the series, which delve deeper into the world of WICKED, the secrets of the Gladers, and their fight for survival.