In what ways does the main character's awareness of the conflict intensify as the story unfolds?

In the beginning of the story, we come to see, the man is inexperienced, ignorant, and prideful. Unfortunately, the man refuses to see the result of his pride until his life is about to end. The man's awareness intensifies with every setback. Things go swimmingly until he breaks through the ice. Even that might have been overcome before he built another fire under the tree and saw it snuffed out by falling snow. With every mishap, a new awareness overcomes him.... and he makes yet another mistake because of his desperation.