Zaroff is the ultimate thrill-seeker. He became so good at hunting animals that they are no longer an adequate challenge for him. He moved onto human beings as sport, but even they lost their charms, since the men he hunted tended to be sailors or workers who were physically strong but not suited for stealth or cunning.

This is why Zaroff is excited to hunt down Rainsford. Rainsford is a fellow hunter who gets how to hide and use his resources to fight back. This makes him more than a challenge for Zaroff—the closest he has to an equal (or so he thinks, anyway).

In essence, hunting is what gives Zaroff's life meaning. Without the thrill or challenge of the hunt, he has nothing else. He views other people as prey or servants, so he cannot derive meaning from love or friendship. Violence is his one and only passion.

Zaroff has become jaded even in his hunting of men. For,too many have been so easily caught that the enjoyment has left this, his final "game." So, he allows Rainsford chances to win, thus prolonging the conflict.

But, in this extenuation of the "dangerous game," Zaroff has unwittingly exhibited a weakness, or flaw: He has given his prey a chance. This weakness is, of course, Zaroff's undoing as Rainsford is able to defeat the general and, thus, win the game.

Therefore, through his increasing of the conflict, Zaroff has unwittingly displayed a weakness that ends up being his demise.