character sketch

Ishmael, like many others on the Pequod, is fascinated by Captain Ahab, and even a bit intimidated by him. Captain Ahab seems reclusive. He stays in his quarters while the others wait for him to come on deck. When Ishmael does see him, he is struck with awe: he was impressed by the captain's strength and intensity. At first Ishmael cannot help get caught up with Ahab's quest. As the narrator Ishmael establishes him as somewhat of a cipher and an everyman, and in fact his role in the plot of the novel is inconsequential; his primary task is to observe the conflicts around him. Ahab is given more singular purpose and emotional upheaval.