What do you think is the most important element of a story: setting, characterization, dialogue, or plot (events and action)? Why?

Which excerpt from "the most dangerous game" best portrays zaroff as rainsford’s foil? "but no animal can reason," objected rainsford. "my dear fellow," said the general, "there is one that can." "but you can't mean—" gasped rainsford. "and why not? " "why should i not be serious? i am speaking of hunting." "hunting? general zaroff, what you speak of is murder.” "and if they win? " the smile on the general's face widened. "to date i have not lost," he said.