In The Most Dangerous Game, General Zaroff has one guest, Sanger Rainsford, and one house servant, Ivan.

Rainsford, a hunter, had been traveling by boat when he fell overboard. He arrived at Zaroff's estate when he washed up on the island where Zaroff lives in isolation.

We learn very little about Ivan except for a basic description. He answers the door when Rainsford knocks. Ivan is the largest man Rainsford ever saw, and is holding a gun. He is

a gigantic creature, solidly made and black bearded to the waist.

Zaroff mentions that Ivan is a Cossack and incredibly strong, and refers to him as deaf and dumb. He participates in the hunts and is apparently a sadist.

A previous guest, who had been imported as prey, we do not meet. Rainsford had heard him screaming in his death throes when he was swimming toward the island.