There are four main ways to view Revelation. Some of these different views are related, some are very different.
Many people have different views, but it is important to remember that no one knows for certain.
Some people view the prophecy in Revelation as something that occurs inside everyone. In this view, the things described in Revelation are symbolic for the struggles everyone faces during their life. This view believes that the things talked about in Revelation will start suddenly and usher in the end times and the return of Christ quickly. This view is similar to the previous view, except for the fact that in this view the events of Revelation began soon after the life of Christ. Which Has Begun This view closely resembles the previous view.