The setting of the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" is every bit as important as the characters. In many ways, the setting itself acts as a character. 

The Island is wild and exotic. "Dense jungle came down to the very edge of the cliffs." This gives the reader an understanding of the perils that exist in such an uncharted area. Later in the story, Rainsford is running through the jungle and being "slashed" by the branches as flees for his life. This has the jungle itself attacking Rainsford and even drawing blood. The jungle also contains the quicksand. This is another way in which the jungle contributes to the external conflict in the story. However, Rainsford ends up using the jungle to his advantage in many situations as he creates his traps for Zaroff.