Characterization Of General Zaroff In The Most Dangerous Game By Richard Connell

Characterization of General Zaroff In Richard Connell's “The Most Dangerous Game”, the main antagonist, General Zaroff is characterized as intimidating and predatory. Through the use of vivid descriptions and dialogue, Connell effectively creates a sense of fear and danger surrounding Zaroff. The general's predatory nature is highlighted through his admission to hunting One way Zaroff is indirectly characterized as intimidating through his description, “..almost bizarre quality about the generals face… his eyes were black and very bright... sharp-cut nose, a spare, dark face, the face of a man used to giving orders, the face of an aristocrat” (30). These first impressions of the general cause Rainsford to immediately stumble over his words. He speaks first to the general saying “Don’t be alarmed.. I’m no robber. I fell off a yacht. My name is Sanger Rainsford of New York City'' (30). Though the menacing look in Zarroffs eyes does not change after this statement, Rainsford continues, “I fell off a yacht. I am hungry” (30). By choosing not to say anything he purposefully puts Rainsford in a position of weakness and fear.

When it is revealed that what Zarroff hunts is humans, Rainsford reacts shockingly, assuming the general is joking. After doubling down and confirming that he is not joking, Rainsford says, “Hunting? General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder” (35). Zaroff, however, does not see it this way, believing that hunting humans is a natural progression for someone who has become bored with hunting animals. He tells Rainsford, “I had to invent a new animal to hunt...I wanted the ideal animal to hunt” (34). This statement highlights Zaroff’s predatory nature, as he views humans as nothing more than animals to be hunted for