The plot revolves around Rainsford being hunted by General Zaroff. In the beginning of the story when General Zaroff tells Rainsford of his new choice in hunting game, Rainsford is appalled. While he is an avid hunter of animals, he sees the hunting of humans as barbaric and uncivilized. However, when Zaroff makes Rainsford his new prey, Rainsford needs to decide how to best save himself even if that means he needs to hunt Zaroff. The causes an internal conflict because Rainsford does not believe it is right to hunt and kill humans.