Richard Connell has written “The Most Dangerous Game”, which is a short thriller set after World War II. The story is about a confused castaway making his way through the mad man’s playground and narrowly escaping certain death. Rainsford is forced to play a murderous game by General Zaroff, the captor of the castaway. Rainsford is the protagonist. He represents our inner man, that part of us that lies below the surface of our psyche. Rainsford’s belief system, temperament, senses and ultimate state are constantly changing throughout the story. It is hard to miss this dynamic character.

Rainsford’s beliefs are the most significant change. Rainsford, a skilled hunter, believed that animals do not experience fear or recognize emotions. Rainsford displays this in his jubilant statement, “Who Cares What a Jaguar Feels?” (11). He then asserts that animals are not intelligent, declaring proudly, “Bah!” (11). Rainsford expresses his egotistic beliefs, opinions and ridicules the animals he hunts. He also separates his humanity and primitive existence from them. Zaroff announces his plans for Rainsford’s death and changes his paradigm. He is forced to leave his humanity and is allowed to wander the jungles of the island. Rainsford mimics the exact animals Zaroff has killed during Zaroff’s challenge. Zaroff is Zaroff’s fear, and Rainsford becomes afraid of being hunted. Rainsford, who is a fox-trickster, attempts to make Zaroff fall for his tricks. Rainsford acknowledges the intelligence of an animal by doing this. Rainsford, while waiting for Zaroff’s approaching, feels anxiety and hides in the tree. Rainsford experiences a change in the course of this. He is open to understanding, if possible, of the emotions of animals through these actions.

Rainsford’s temperament shifts next. Rainsford was originally a phenomenal hunter, top in his field, and the best in his class. He considers himself an elite hunter, while others, who appear weak, are destined being hunted. Whitney tells him before he is captured that there are two types of people in the world: “The hunters and the huntees.” (11). He continues to say, “Fortunately you are the huntees” (11). Rainsford is instantly the hunted from the moment he steps onto Shiptrap Island. Rainsford is shocked to learn that Zaroff can’t be evaded despite his best hunter knowledge. He finally realizes that he’s not the best hunter and that anyone can become a “huntee” (11).

Rainsford’s thoughts, temperament and consciousness begin to shift. Rainsford views himself as a civilized human being during his first encounter with Zaroff. He draws a distinction between Zaroffs plans of hunting humans after he discovers that Zaroff is insane. His preconceived notions about Rainsford soon change. Rainsford shows signs of the inner monster by feeling a strong urge to shout with joy. (24). Zaroff’s dog, as the trap is set. He sounds like he is insatiable, even though it’s not evident from his sheer joy at the prospect of losing a life. Rainsford feels an unresolved, deep-seated desire to be free, even though he beat Zaroff at his game. When he says, 25), that he is still the beast at-arms, it could very well be an instinctive animal response. He says those words and then he defies logic and his sanity to slaughter Zaroff. Rainsford is a savage and enlists in his ranks. When he commits murder, his entry into the realms of madness becomes obvious. He starts to look like other animals and begins to resemble Zaroff. However, he loses the ability to tell the difference between right and wrong.

Rainsford’s life experiences can teach us a lot. His dynamic personality and brazen behavior help us better understand the human condition. Every person has the potential to be evil, but they all have the potential to be good. Philosophers liken humans to rolling stone. All must roll but all must not swim in the same amount of moss. Although humans are naturally good-natured, social pressures can alter a person’s view of life. Rainsford was an example of this. General Zaroff’s challenges only awaken the darkness within him. His mind struggles with adapting to his new environment. Rainsford is only a warning about the presence of the same beast within all of us. Is it out already?