The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell

explain how the story might be different if the antagonist were able to overcome his dark impulses.

Richard Connell and Ray Bradbury introduce the reader to experienced hunters who share three common character traits in their short stories. After comparing and contrasting character traits among Rainsford and Zaroff from Connell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game," and Eckels from Bradbury's, "A Sound of Thunder," one sees that the best hunter of the group is Rainsford. While each character possesses patience, observancy, and the ability to handle pressure, Rainsford uses these traits in the wisest and most proficient manner. Hunters need many different assets, yet patience is one of the most important.

The key to being a successful hunter is being patient. Rainsford demonstrates his patience in many ways during the three days of the most dangerous game. Unlike Rainsford, Eckels shows no patience on his own hunt millions of years prior: "Out of the mist a hundred yards away, came the Tyrannosaurus rex" (Bradbury 84). Rainsford's patience is the key factor that separates him from Eckels, who becomes frantic during the hunt. Through Ship Trap Island, Zaroff is able to portray his patience as well. Eckels, on the contrary, cannot attain the same sense of imperturbability, because he constantly asks questions: "Eckels flushed. Where's our Tyrannosaurus?" (Bradbury 84). Zaroff has the ability to slowly guide a ship to provide more participants in the most dangerous game, unlike Eckels, whose prey comes running at him. Eckels simply has no patience, a sharp contrast to both Zaroff and Rainsford. To demonstrate his dedication and commitment, Zaroff says, "So I bought this island, built this house, and here I do my hunting. (Connell 21) Eckels' lack of patience is unfit for a task such as the most dangerous game. Rainsford's patience is greater than that of both Zaroff and Eckels. Being patient is a useful trait, but without keen observance, all chances of success are dashed.