Direct And Indirect Characterization In The Most Dangerous Game By Richard Connell

In Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game”, Connell emphasizes the themes of fear, perseverance, and competition by using both direct and indirect characterization. Throughout the story, readers observe the changes in the characters, which lead to the emphasis of the themes. Rainsford, viewing the world as a hunter, is fearless and unsentimental. According to Rainsford, “The world is made up of two classes—the hunters and the huntees.” Rainsford positions himself at the top of the chain, not showing sympathy towards the weak as he finds that it is realistic for the strong to defeat the weak. Rainsford, as a proud and skillful hunter, is not concerned about how terrified the huntees are. He does not care about “how a jaguar feels”. Instead,

This significant switch in the role of Rainsford in the chain gives him an opportunity to understand and experience the frightening life of a huntee. Connell incorporates the sentimental element in the story by situating the protagonist at a weaker position. Through Rainsford’s experience as a huntee, readers understand the helplessness and vulnerability of a huntee. On the other hand, Connell presents the theme of perseverance by depicting the direct characteristics of Rainsford. Due to his perseverance, Rainsford survives after falling from the yacht. Although the yacht has gone out of sight, Rainsford does not give up. He identifies the direction of the island based on the sound of the gun shots. Despite the rough and tough situation on the sea, Rainsford “fought the sea” and “forced himself upward” onto Ship-Trap Island. Rainsford exercises the spirit of a hunter and seeks to survive. His determination allows him to swim across the sea through the calmless night. Besides that, Rainsford reminds himself to “not lose my nerve” during the hunt with Zaroff. His strong will to survive gives him the perseverance to remain at the zenith of the