1. The Injury and Initial Shock: The story begins with Raina falling and breaking her two front teeth. This is the catalyst for the whole story, setting in motion the events that follow. The initial shock and anxiety Raina feels about her appearance are also established.
2. The Orthodontist and the Brace: Raina undergoes a series of visits to the orthodontist, who fits her with a brace. This is a significant turning point, as the brace becomes a symbol of her discomfort and self-consciousness. It also highlights the beginning of her social anxiety.
3. The Social and Emotional Challenges: The brace starts to affect Raina's social life. She feels self-conscious and embarrassed, leading to her avoiding social interactions and withdrawing from her friends. The story explores the emotional difficulties she faces as she tries to navigate this new reality.
4. The Bullying and Negative Feedback: Raina encounters bullying and negative comments from others about her brace. This intensifies her self-consciousness and feelings of isolation. She struggles to cope with the constant judgment and the perceived lack of acceptance from her peers.
5. The Turning Point: The climax of the rising action occurs when Raina finally decides to fight back against the bullies. This is a crucial turning point, marking the beginning of her personal journey towards self-acceptance.
6. The Acceptance and Understanding: After the climax, Raina starts to accept her situation and finds ways to cope with the challenges. She finds comfort in her family and friends, and begins to see the positive aspects of her experience.
7. The Resolution and the End of the Brace: The rising action culminates with Raina finally getting her brace removed. This marks a significant moment of relief and a sense of completion. However, the story leaves the reader with the understanding that Raina's journey of self-acceptance is ongoing.
The rising action in Smile is built upon Raina's growing self-consciousness, her struggles with social anxiety, and her ultimate journey towards self-acceptance.