Indirect Characterization in “The Most Dangerous Game”
Directions: Complete the charts using examples from your textbook. Pay close attention to which method of indirect
characterization (speech, appearance, actions, private thoughts, and the reactions of other characters) is used to reveal the
personality of the character.
General Zaroff: Antagonist
Speech
Appearance
Actions: Describe
what Zaroff does at
different points in the
story
Rainsford’s
Reactions to
Zaroff
Private Thoughts
Rainsford’s
description of the
General’s speech on
page 220:
Zaroff’s dress on page
220:
When they first meet
on page 220:
Page 235: Thought
one-
Zaroff’s explanation
of his purpose in life
on page 223:
Zaroff’s height on
page 220:
When Zaroff reveals
the “game” he hunts
on the island on page
225:
Page 235:Thought
two-
Zaroff’s explanation
of why he hunts his
“new game” on page
225:
Zaroff’s hair and facial
hair on page 220:
When Zaroff leaves
him in the tree on page
231:
n/a
Zaroff’s response to
finding Rainsford
waiting for him on
page 235:
Zaroff’s lips and teeth
on page 221:
When Zaroff
congratulates him for
winning the game:
n/a
Sanger Rainsford: Protagonist
Actions
Zaroff’s Reactions
to Rainsford
Private Thoughts
Page 216—his attitude
toward hunting
Page 217-218: falling
off the yacht
Page 220—when they
meet
Page 218:
Thought 1-
Page 225—his
reactions to Zaroff’s
new game
Page 230—
Page 225—2nd
paragraph
Page 222:
Thought 2:
Page 235—winning the
game
Page 232-233 —setting
the traps
Page 232-233 —his
reaction to Rainsford’s
traps
Page 231:
Thought 3:
Speech
Appearance