In "the most dangerous game" the character of zaroff serves as an antagonist to the protagonist, sharply contrasting Rainford's personality.
General Zaroff plays the role of the antagonist of the short story "The Most Dangerous Game," who tries to murder Rainsford on Ship-Trap Island. At the beginning, General Zaroff is portrayed as a civilized, aristocratic man, who appreciates literature and has a refined pallet. This character is a maniacal murder, who finds pleasure in hunting humans on his secluded island.