Greg's initial struggles:
* The Cheese Touch: The story starts with Greg's fear of getting "the cheese touch," a superstition that makes him an outcast. This establishes his anxieties about social acceptance.
* The "cool" kids: Greg desperately wants to befriend the popular kids, especially Rowley Jefferson, who is genuinely nice but considered "uncool" by others.
* His relationship with Rowley: Greg's attempts to exploit Rowley for social clout backfire, highlighting his flawed judgment and lack of true friendship.
Escalating social challenges:
* The "cheese touch" spreads: The "cheese touch" incident spirals out of control, making Greg even more isolated and reinforcing his fear of being different.
* The school play: Greg is forced to participate in the school play, a humiliating experience that further damages his social standing.
* The "cheese touch" and popularity: Greg tries to use the "cheese touch" to his advantage, believing it will make him popular. This ultimately fails, emphasizing his misguided attempts to gain popularity.
The climax:
* The school dance: Greg's quest for popularity culminates in his disastrous attempt to impress a girl at the school dance. This incident highlights the consequences of his actions and his insecurities.
The rising action builds tension and conflict as Greg faces increasingly difficult situations. His relentless pursuit of popularity, despite his flawed methods, creates a compelling storyline that leads to the climax of the story.