Sanger Rainsford, the story’s protagonist, is an experienced big game hunter from New York City. At the beginning of the story, he exhibits pride and self-importance in his conversation with Whitney, interrupting his companion more than once to share his opinion. He scoffs at the sailors’ superstitions surrounding Ship-Trap Island, but ironically, he comes to understand firsthand the horrors hidden on the island. When Rainsford discusses hunting with Whitney, he makes clear that he has no sympathy for the prey he hunts. He claims the world is divided into two classes: the hunters and the huntees. Little does Rainsford know that although he has enjoyed status as a hunter throughout his life, that status is about to change.

Rainsford exhibits quick wits and cool-headedness in dangerous situations. He uses logic and thinks creatively under pressure, such as when he falls overboard and when General Zaroff pursues him. Rainsford seems to pride himself on his ability to reason well and is surprised when his logic fails him, such as when he believes the chateau to be a mirage before finding it to be real.

Rainsford shows appropriate shock upon learning Zaroff’s hobby of hunting men and could be considered admirable for refusing to hunt alongside Zaroff and for making an effort to leave the island.