Initial Events:
* The Power Outage: This inexplicable event is the catalyst, creating an immediate sense of unease and mystery. It's the first deviation from the mundane.
* The "Strange" Behaviours: People begin to notice seemingly odd actions from their neighbours – Charlie's car lights, Mrs. Brand's "strange" radio, Tommy's knowledge of the power outage. These are all seemingly innocent, but they plant seeds of doubt.
Growing Suspicion:
* The Fearmongering: Steve, the "leader" of the group, starts to spread fear and suspicion, suggesting the strange happenings are connected to an alien invasion. He fuels the group's paranoia and begins to look for a scapegoat.
* The Accusations: Steve's words and actions influence others, and they start pointing fingers at each other. Charlie, initially the target, gets a reprieve, but then suspicion falls on others, including Mrs. Brand and even Tommy.
* The "Evidence": The group begins to "discover" evidence supporting their theories. They overanalyze seemingly normal actions and jump to conclusions.
Heightened Tension and Fear:
* The Mob Mentality: The group, now consumed by fear, loses its individual identities and becomes a single, angry entity. Their actions become irrational and dangerous.
* The Confrontations: The accusations turn into accusations, and the neighbours begin to threaten each other. There are near misses, and it becomes clear that things are spiraling out of control.
* The Turning Point: The climax of the rising action is the moment when the neighbours decide to burn down Charlie's house, convinced he is the "monster". This act demonstrates the full extent of their paranoia and the disastrous consequences of their unchecked fear.
Overall, the rising action of "Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" is a powerful portrayal of how fear and suspicion can quickly escalate into violence and destruction, leading to a breakdown of community and trust.