"The Most Dangerous Game" begins with a conversation between Rainsford and Whitney on the yacht. Here, in the story's exposition, we learn of Rainsford's background as a hunter, as well as of the sinister reputation of Ship-Trap Island.

The story's rising action begins after Rainsford falls off the yacht and washes up on the island, eventually finding Zaroff's mansion, in which live Zaroff and his servant, Ivan. As they dine, he learns of Zaroff's own background as a hunter who, no longer challenged by hunting animals, has turned to hunting humans instead.

The rising action continues as Zaroff decides to hunt Rainsford. Here we witness both Zaroff's abilities as a hunter, as well as his willingness to draw out the contest. Meanwhile, Rainsford is desperately struggling for his own survival. This struggle leads to the story's climax, when Rainsford successfully escapes Zaroff by diving into the sea.

The falling action follows Zaroff in the aftermath of their hunt. He is shown to be discontented with the hunt's conclusion, as well as with the loss of Ivan. He will later return to his bedroom, only to find Rainsford there waiting, with the two about to engage in one final life-or-death combat.

We do not see this last fight. We only see its aftermath. The story resolves with the revelation that Rainsford has killed Zaroff in the conflict.

The exposition of the story takes place at the beginning, when Sanger Rainsford and Whitney are discussing the nature of hunter and prey on a yacht traveling toward South America. Rainsford's occupation is revealed, as well as his views about hunting. The ominous Ship-Trap Island is also discussed during the exposition.

The rising action begins when Rainsford falls off the yacht and swims to Ship-Trap Island. Rainsford's meeting with the maniacal General Zaroff and his unsettling discovery that he will become Zaroff’s next prey are also included in the rising action. Rainsford's attempts to avoid General Zaroff during the hunt are also included in the rising action. These include Rainsford's various booby traps and his harrowing experience traversing Ship-Trap Island.

The climax occurs toward the end of the story when General Zaroff and his hounds close in on Rainsford. Rainford is forced to leap into the sea to avoid Zaroff and his hunting dogs.

The falling action is when General Zaroff returns to his chateau to have a peaceful meal and prepare for bedtime.

The resolution takes place after Rainsford and Zaroff's hand-to-hand battle, which Rainsford apparently wins. Following the battle, Rainsford tucks himself into the general's bed and prepares to sleep soundly.

Exposition -- Rainsford is traveling on a yacht and the reader learns of his hobby and enjoyment of hunting. He speaks with Whitney, who asks him how he thinks the animals feel during the hunt. Rainsford replies that he doesn't care - it's just an animal anyway. 

Rising Action - Rainsford accidentally falls off the ship and ends up on General Zaroff's island and in his gothic style mansion. Zaroff is relatively kind and welcoming, but something is off about him, his servant, Ivan, and his home. Rainsford then learns that General Zaroff has hunted all types of animals and now prefers to hunt men, because they have the ability to reason. 

Climax -- Rainsford learns that he is to become General Zaroff's next prey. He and the General participate in the hunt. Rainsford manages to set a trap and eventually kills Ivan, General Zaroff's servant. Zaroff chases Rainsford to a cliff.

Falling Action -- Rainsford jumps off the cliff and is presumed dead. Zaroff goes home and has a nice dinner. 

Resolution - Rainsford attacks General Zaroff in his home before bed. Rainsford kills Zaroff and sleeps in his bed that evening. 

For proper exposition, you need to give background information. Rainsford is a great hunter. In fact, he is headed to hunt more game. When we set Rainsford into the context of the 1920s, then we also realize that it is taking place during the time of exploring new lands. All of this adds to the mystique of otherness. 

The rising action is finding Zaroff. He displays an odd mixture of traits. On the one hand he is very charming, intelligent, and well-spoken. He also has impeccable manners. On the other hand, there seems to be something off about him. Why is he there alone with only one other person, Ivan? The reader is left wondering. 

The climax occurs when Rainsford finds out that Zaroff likes the thrill of luring people to his island to hunt them. At this point Rainsford, the hunter, becomes the hunted. During this time, Rainsford kills Ivan and eludes Zaroff by jumping off a cliff. 

The falling action occurs when the reader wonders what happens to Rainsford. Is he alive, dead?

The resolution occurs when Rainsford kills Zaroff and wins the fatal game. 

EXPOSITION.  We learn about Rainsford's hunting prowess and his newest expedition to South America, where his yacht is headed while passing through Caribbean waters.

RISING ACTION.  Rainsford is curious about Zaroff and his magnificent mansion, but he is repulsed when he finds that Zaroff now prefers hunting humans. Even worse, Rainsford discovers that he is to be the prey for Zaroff's next hunt.

CLIMAX.  Rainsford manages to elude Zaroff, killing Ivan and a dog before wounding Zaroff and diving off a cliff into the ocean. 

FALLING ACTION.  Zaroff returns from the hunt and has a nice meal before heading for his bedroom. There he finds Rainsford waiting for him.

RESOLUTION.  Rainsford apparently has won the final hunt, since it is he, and not Zaroff, who sleeps soundly in the Cossack's bed.

What is the falling action and rising action of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The rising action begins with Rainsford's realization that Zaroff will hunt him.  It continues all through the hunt and ends when Zaroff believes Rainsford has fallen to his death off the cliff.  Rainford's supposed death is definitely the turning point in the story; some would argue it's also the climax.  Others will say Rainford's surprising Zaroff back at his chateau is the climax, but I tend to think it is the resolution.

In any case, the falling action is rather implicit and time-compressed.  We must deduce that it includes Rainsford swimming back to the chateau in order to hide behind the curtain.  Zaroff must hike back there too.  The falling action also includes the dialogue between the two before they fight.  That would make the fight, then, the resolution (although we flash forward through it).  And the last sentence, about Rainsford never sleeping better, is the denoument.

Good luck on your plot diagram...

What are the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The rising action begins with Rainsford trying not to drown in the ocean and making it to the island and Zaroff's Gothic mansion. Rainford meets Zaroff and finds out he is to be hunted and the hunt begins, leading to Rainsford's fight for his life in the jungle.  The falling action seems to take place right along with the climax during which Rainsford is waits for Zaroff in his bedroom and the two fight to the death.  The story ends with the reader assuming that Rainsford apparently wins the fight and gets to sleep in Zaroff's bed. We can assme Zaroff is dead. Brenda

What is the rising action and the falling action in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The rising action begins with Rainsford trying not to drown in the ocean and making it to the island and Zaroff's Gothic mansion. Rainford meets Zaroff and finds out he is to be hunted and the hunt begins, leading to Rainsford's fight for his life in the jungle.  The falling action seems to take place right along with the climax during which Rainsford is waits for Zaroff in his bedroom and the two fight to the death.  The story ends with the reader assuming that Rainsford apparently wins the fight and gets to sleep in Zaroff's bed. We can assme Zaroff is dead. Brenda