The Setting. The story begins with the introduction of the main character Rainsford, a big-game hunter, traveling on a ship in the middle of the ocean near a mysterious island.

Set-up. The first complication and subclimax occur when a reef rips apart the ship, causing it to sink. Only Rainsford survives, swimming to the shore of the nearby island. Here, Rainsford meets General Zaroff, a Russian soldier, and his servant Ivan, a mute giant.

Rising Action. The action accelerates when Rainsford discovers that Zaroff hunts humans for sport and invites Rainsford to join him. Rainsford refuses.

Turning Point. Zaroff announces that Rainsford will be his next prey and sets him loose on the island with only a knife to defend himself against Zaroff’s rifle and hounds.

More Rising Action. Several additional complications and subclimaxes occur during the chase. Zaroff corners Rainsford, but lets him go to continue the hunt. Ivan and one of Zaroff’s prize hounds are killed in traps set by Rainsford. Finally, the last subclimax comes as Rainsford appears trapped on a cliff and seemingly leaps to his death on the ocean rocks below, thinking he might survive. Zaroff sees no sign of him and assumes Rainsford is dead.

The Climax. When Zaroff returns to the castle, we learn that Rainsford survived his fall and has managed to enter the castle to confront Zaroff. The two men fight in a final climactic scene.

Resolution. Rainsford prevails by forcing Zaroff to plunge to his death off a balcony into a kennel of hungry hounds. This concludes the quick falling action. (No pun intended.)

Reaction. This story ends abruptly without a reaction scene.