The rising action of the plot begins in Chapter 4 of Aldous Huxley's Brave New World as more characters begin to interact.  Bernard Marx is an Alpha, albeit shorter than they and self-conscious about his condition. Because rumors circulate that account for his short  stature, as well as about his emotional differences, Bernard has a sense of inferiority. Still, he has invited Lenina to travel with him to the Reservation where the savages live and eat, and is a little self-conscious when she accepts in front of Benito.  In fact, he is embarrassed when Lenina accepts his invitation in front of Benito Hoover, wishing that Lenina would keep their affairs private.

Bernard's self-consciousness and his melancholy face as well as his appreciation of the beauty in nature distinguish him from the other Alphas.  Thinking that he can get some recognition for taking Lenina to the Indian Reservation, he invites her.  All of these actions are pivotal to the subsequent chapters.  For, the oddity and melancholy of Bernard Marx foreshadow his acts of individuality after he and Lenina travel to the Reservation.