Final answer:
In 'The Most Dangerous Game', the rising action and shift in plot happens when Rainsford discovers he's to be the prey in Zaroff's hunt, marking a significant escalation in conflict and suspense.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story 'The Most Dangerous Game', a pivotal action that leads to a significant shift in the plot is when the protagonist, Rainsford, realises that he is going to be the prey in Zaroff's hunting game. This rising action escalates the tension and develops the conflict, engaging readers and driving the plot forward towards the climax. The advancement of the plot occurs as we witness Rainsford's transition from hunter to the hunted, which increases the conflict and suspense in the narrative leading to a high-stakes game of survival. This moment symbolizes the start of the 'game' that Zaroff has planned and signals a dramatic shift in Rainsford's circumstances, effectively propelling the story towards its climax.