Greg's Increasing Frustration with Rodrick:
* Rodrick constantly embarrassing Greg: Rodrick's pranks and antics, like stealing Greg's underwear and using it as a puppet, constantly put Greg in awkward situations and damage his social standing.
* The "cheese touch" incident: Rodrick's prank where he "touches" Greg with a piece of cheese, making him a social outcast, escalates Greg's anxiety and frustration.
* Rodrick sabotaging Greg's attempts to impress Rowley: Rodrick intentionally tries to sabotage Greg's efforts to impress Rowley, creating tension and conflict between the two friends.
Greg's Struggles with School and Popularity:
* Greg's disastrous attempt to join the school's "cheese touch" club: Greg's desperation to be popular leads him to join the "cheese touch" club, which backfires spectacularly and further isolates him.
* Greg's failed attempt to start a band with Rowley: Greg's dream of forming a band with Rowley is dashed by Rodrick's interference, leading to a growing rift between them.
* Greg's anxieties about the school dance: Greg's nervousness about the upcoming school dance and his fear of being alone escalate the tension and make him desperate for a date.
Greg's Growing Conflict with his Parents:
* Greg's parents' lack of understanding: Greg's parents are often oblivious to his struggles and fail to see his perspective, leading to conflict and resentment.
* Greg's parents' attempts to control his life: Greg's parents try to control his social life, which further fuels his desire to break free and assert his independence.
* The "Operation Do-Over" incident: Greg's parents' attempt to control his life by forcing him to "do-over" a bad day, intensifies the conflict and makes Greg feel even more trapped.
These are just some examples, and the rising action can be interpreted in different ways depending on how you define it. However, all of these events contribute to the overall tension and conflict in the story, leading to the climax of Greg's desperate attempt to escape his family's vacation and Rodrick's eventual realization of the importance of his relationship with Greg.