The Swedish captain of the boat from which Rainsford falls. Along with his crew, he believes that Ship-Trap Island is a place of evil.

A renowned hunter and Cossack refugee who turned to hunting men after being unsatisfied by the challenge posed by the fiercest of animals. Zaroff is a man of contradictions, both highly refined in manners and deeply uncivilized in morals.

General Zaroff's mute assistant. Provides much of the muscle needed to maintain Zaroff's fantasy island by offering an alternative to the hunt: those chosen by Zaroff either participate in the hunt or face Ivan's burly, violent hands.

The protagonist of the story, Rainsford is a well-known, highly experienced big-game hunter who has the great misfortune of being recruited as prey by General Zaroff. He is able to maintain his intellectual composure during the most frightening of circumstances. He uses this to his advantage in an attempt to outsmart Zaroff.

Rainsford's traveling companion who first cites the rumors of evil and cannibalism that surround Ship-Trap Island.

The next morning he decides to investigate his surroundings. He finds a pool of blood and surmises that it is from the prey that was shot the night before. Near the blood he sees the footprints of hunting boots. He elects to follow them. After a long hike Rainsford arrives at a palatial estate. He then meets the General. 

That night Rainsford is unable to sleep. The next day he learns that he is either to serve as Zaroff's newest prey or fall into the burly, violent hands of Ivan.

And the rest of the story is just too good to spoil in this summary.