“The Most Dangerous Game” is a short story and thriller by Richard Connell, set after World War II on a remote island. The story chronicles the misadventures of a distraught castaway as he makes his way through a madman's playground, narrowly escaping death at every turn. General Zaroff, the castaway's captor, forces Rainsford into a game of murder that ends in Zaroff's death. Rainsford, the protagonist, is the embodiment of our inner man, the beast that dwells just beneath our external psyche, the part of us that others, even those who hold us close, cannot see. Over the course of the story, Rainsford's beliefs, temperament, sense of self, and final state of consciousness transform as the story progresses, making him a dynamic character who is hard to miss. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The most notable change in Rainsford is in his beliefs. Rainsford, a skilled hunter, initially believes that animals experience no fear or recognizable emotions. He demonstrates this when he jubilantly states, “Who cares what a jaguar feels?”(11). He later insinuates that animals have no intelligence as he proudly declares, “Bah, they have no understanding” (11). Rainsford takes his selfish beliefs and opinions further by ridiculing the animals he hunts and separating his humanity from their primitive existence. His paradigm shifts dramatically when Zaroff announces his plans to hunt down Rainsford. He is released into the island's dense jungle and abandons his precious humanity to survive. During Zaroff's challenge, Rainsford imitates the same animals he valiantly hunts. While being hunted, he feels the dreaded fear of the hunter, Zaroff. In short, Rainsford attempts to turn the tables on Zaroff by using the fox's deception to confuse Zaroff. In this way it recognizes the intelligence of an animal. Waiting for Zaroff's approach, Rainsford experiences anxiety while hiding in a tree, parallel to the jaguar. In the process, Rainsford changes. Show understanding, if not mutual respect, for the animals' emotions in those actions. Rainsford's volatile temperament subsequently changes. Initially he considers himself a wonderful hunter, the best in his field, the first in his class. Likewise, he considers himself an elite class, a hunter; while the other people, apparently weak, are destined to be chased away. Before his capture, he tells his companion Whitney that "the world is composed of two classes: the hunters and the hunters" (11). He continues by stating, “Fortunately you and I are the hunters” (11). This fact is not true. The moment Rainsford sets foot on Shiptrap Island, he becomes the hunted. He is also shocked that despite his best efforts, using all his vast knowledge as a hunter, he is unable to escape Zaroff. He eventually realizes that he is not the best hunter and that anyone can suddenly become the "hunter" (11). Along with his thoughts and temper, Rainsford's consciousness also begins to warp. During his first meeting with Zaroff, Rainsford considers himself a civilized member of society. After the discovery of Zaroff's plans to hunt humans, he drives a wedge between himself and Zaroff on the grounds that he respects life but Zaroff, a crazed brute, does not. All his preconceptions soon change. The first hint of the monster within Rainsford is evident when he "[feels] the urge to shout out loud for joy... [he hears] the loud crackling of branches snapping as the pit cover, 8(7), 784-788.