The Most Dangerous Game Sanger Rainsford Character Analysis

The Most Dangerous Game: Sanger Rainsford

Sanger Rainsford, the protagonist of The Most Dangerous Game, truly reveals he is the ideal quarry because of his courage. For instance, Rainsford demonstrates courage in his strength to overcome challenging obstacles. Once the game begins, Rainsford makes an attempt to distract the general by circling around the jungle with a trail of random tracks which are unable to follow, called a fox hunt. As night came, Rainsford grew weary, and gingerly climbed a large tree to rest. Rainsford later hears some birds flying away, an indication the general was heading toward him. At first, Rainsford was ready to give in as General Zaroff “…paused, almost beneath the tree, dropped to his knees, and studied the ground. Rainsford’s

Rainsford also exhibits courage by doing anything to survive. During Rainsford’s first meal with the general, Zaroff tells of his hunts, expressing the rush he gets from his kills. Rainsford is appalled, telling him it is murder, and would not take part in what Zaroff planned. Of course, he had limited options and ultimately was forced to participate as the newest quarry. However, when the third day of the hunt was nearing completion, Zaroff, Ivan, and his hounds were hot on Rainsford’s trail. Knowing he had little time to spare, Rainsford created a trap, intending to kill the two and their hounds. Rainsford heard no more barking or running and “shinnied excitedly up a tree and looked back. His pursuers had stopped. But the hope that was in Rainsford’s brain when he climbed died, for he saw in the shallow valley that General Zaroff was still on his feet (26).” Rainsford’s hopes had diminished because his plan to kill both of the humans had partially failed. From the beginning of the story, Rainsford stuck to the belief that humans were hunters, and everything else was a “huntee.” Once his own life was on the line, he got up and did anything possible to protect