1. “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell
Plot Development

2. 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

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

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

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

6. 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.

7. Rising Acton The MDG = MAN
Zaroff has become bored with hunting & has invented a new “game.”
Rainsford follows the path finds a Chateau (castle) & 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.’”

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

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

12. 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. Self: Rainsford struggles with fear, morality of hunting
Man vs. Fate: Rainsford struggles with thoughts of dying .

13. 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.