Cause: Greg starts a fake "charity" to get attention and impress his classmates.
Effect: He ends up in over his head, facing backlash from the school and even the real charity he's trying to mimic.
Cause: Greg's desire to be popular leads him to betray his friend Rowley's trust.
Effect: Rowley is hurt and upset, their friendship suffers, and Greg feels guilty.
Cause: Greg's constant scheming and attempts to manipulate situations lead to a series of mishaps.
Effect: He creates problems for himself and others, causing embarrassment and frustration.
Cause: Greg's family dynamic and his parents' inability to understand him.
Effect: He feels misunderstood and isolated, contributing to his self-centered behavior.
Cause: Greg's obsession with his image and popularity.
Effect: He neglects genuine relationships and experiences, ultimately finding himself lonely and regretful.
Cause: Greg's lack of self-awareness and ability to understand others' perspectives.
Effect: He makes poor decisions that hurt others and fail to achieve his desired outcome.
The novel emphasizes that Greg's choices, driven by his insecurities and flawed reasoning, lead to negative consequences. Through these experiences, he gradually learns some important lessons about friendship, empathy, and the importance of being true to himself. However, the ending suggests he still has a long way to go before he fully understands the "ugly truth" about himself and the world around him.