Sometimes using quotes to describe a character is a great way to examine the indirect characterizations provided by the author. An indirect characterization is where the author provides clues about a character by using dialogue, actions, and relationships with other characters. (Example: She could not help but think everyone was out to get her. Every time the group of girls glanced in her direction, she thought they were making up lies.- Here one can interpret the character's mentality as one which is self-conscious and worrying.) Direct characterization is when the author tells readers exactly what a character is like. (Example: She thought she was better than every one else. She walked around with her nose in the air, directing mean looks in anyone's direction who would cross her path. The author is very direct about this type of character.)

As for quotes from Connell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game", one can use quotes to define the types of characters both Zaroff and Rainsford are.

"Who cares how a jaguar feels?"- This quote shows Rainsford's initial lack of concern for the one being hunted. Later in the story, his mentality certainly changes.

"The hunter had his nerve with him to tackle it with a light gun."- Here, readers are given insight into the character through dialogue provided by Rainsford. The hunter, Zaroff, his nerve. While readers do not yet know what is going to happen, they can look back on this quote and use it to justify Zaroff's nerve later in the story.

"I have but one passion in my life, Mr. Rainsford, and it is the hunt."- Here, Zaroff allows readers to understand interpret that he is a very driven man. The obsession of the hunt is the only thing that matters to him.

"I have invented a new sensation."- Here, one can come to realize Zaroff's inventiveness. When faced with the problem of becoming bored with traditional hunting, Zaroff invented something new. This shows his creativeness and his violence (as readers will find out shortly.)

"It was expected of noblemen's sons."- Here, readers find out about Zaroff's background. He lived a life of privilege and benefits. This speaks to his thoughts behind doing anything that he deemed necessary to entertain himself.

"Thank you, I'm a hunter, not a murderer."- Here, Rainsford is specifically showing his disdain for Zaroff and stating his thoughts on murder over hunting. This shows his ability to separate the two, unlike Zaroff. Therefore, the quote also shows what kind of person Zaroff is by the statement Rainsford makes. He is, essentially, calling Zaroff a murderer.

"That is why I use them. It gives me pleasure."- This quote shows Zaroff's cold-bloodedness. He is willing to murder, or hunt as he says, men for sport.

"I have played the fox, now I must play the cat of the fable."- Here Rainsford realizes how quickly the hunter can become the hunted. His ideas about the jaguar's feelings have certainly changed. Therefore, Rainsford has changed.