“The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell Plot Development

Plot – sequence of events in a literary work. Climax-highest point of action or interest. A moment of great emotional intensity or suspense in a plot Rising Action –adds complications leads to the climax Falling action –the action that is a result of the climax Exposition --introduces the characters, background and setting Resolution –tells or implies the outcome of the story

Genre and Point of View Genre: Short Story Point of View: Third Person Limited

Characters Protagonist--Main Character: Rainsford Antagonist--Opposing Force: General Zaroff

Setting, Atmosphere & Mood Setting—Ship Trap Island, over a series of days, probably in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s Atmosphere & Mood—Evil is a tangible (touchable) thing. Evil is a palpable wave. Mysterious and suggestive name, “Ship Trap Island.”

Exposition Learn about Ship Trap Island, sailors have a curious dread of it. Rainsford doesn’t care how animals feel, says there are two classes: hunters & huntees. Whitney & Rainsford are discussing hunting.

Rising Acton The MDG = MAN Zaroff has become bored with hunting & has invented a new “game.” Rainsford follows the path finds a Chateau & meets General Zaroff. Rainsford finds a trail & a place where a large animal had been killed & finds a .22 cartridge. Rainsford swims towards the sound & lands on the island. Rainsford hears 3 gunshots & falls overboard.

Rising Acton Rainsford swims back to the Chateau & waits to ambush Zaroff. Rainsford dives into the ocean. Rainsford creates the Malayan Mancatcher, Burmese Tiger Pit & Ugandan Indian Trick. End of Day 1, Rainsford hides in a tree. Rainsford must reason to survive. The game begins, Day 1—Rainsford responds like an animal, runs & creates a complicated trail. Zaroff hunts men, Rainsford thinks it’s murder, Zaroff thinks it’s sport.

Climax Rainsford ambushes Zaroff in the bedroom. “ “The general made one of his deepest bows. ‘I see,’ he said. ‘Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford.’”

Falling Action Rainsford says that he has never slept in a more comfortable bed.

Resolution The story’s ending is implied. The reader assumes that General Zaroff is dead since Rainsford is sleeping peacefully.

Conflict External Conflict—Struggle with an outside force. Man vs. Man: Rainsford vs. Zaroff, Rainsford vs. Ivan Man vs. Nature: Rainsford vs. the Sea, Rainsford vs. the jungle/island Man vs. Beast: Rainsford vs. the dogs Internal Conflict—Struggle within oneself. Man vs. Man: Rainsford struggles with fear, morality of hunting Man vs. Fate: Rainsford struggles with dying .

Universal Theme In order to fully understand others, we must first walk in their shoes. Rainsford now knows what it feels like to be the “prey.” He may be a more compassionate hunter now.