1. Rainsford is the famous hunter of snow leopards. He is washed ashore on Ship Trap Island after falling out of his yacht.
2. Zaroff killed a bear at ten. Zaroff is a retired military general who lives alone on Ship Trap Island, with the exception of Ivan his assistant. He likes to hunt people because he believes he gets a thrill, unlike any he had been given while hunting other animals.
3. Whitney is Rainsford's companion. In the beginning of the book she asks Rainsford if he believes the animals that he kills feel pain. This one question sets up the whole theme for the rest of the selection.
4. Ivan strong, deaf, and dumb. He is Zaroff's assistant. When men wash ashore on Ship Trap island Zaroff gives them two choices. Either, let Zaroff hunt them to the death, or allow Ivan to torture them to death.