Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

Main Characters and Their Development

• Ishmael - The narrator and a secondary character whose philosophical worldview and reflections on the nature of man and evil permeate the entire book.
• Captain Ahab - An obsessed seafarer seeking revenge on the white whale Moby Dick, which bit off his leg. His obsession leads to the demise of most of the crew.
• Starbuck - The first mate of Captain Ahab, representing the voice of reason and moral steadfastness on board. He questions the righteousness of pursuing Moby Dick, struggling with his conscience and loyalty to the captain.
• Queequeg - A harpooner from the South Sea Islands and Ishmael's best friend. He is characterized by courage, kindness, and a deep personal philosophy, mixed with the cannibalism of his native island.
• Tashtego - A daring harpooner of Native American descent, one of the key members of the crew. His bravery and skills are evident in whale hunting.
• Dagoo - Another harpooner, an African, known for his physical strength and prowess.
• Pip - A cabin boy who loses his sanity after being left alone at sea. His story adds a note of tragedy and depth to the book.
• Fedallah - A mysterious Persian harpooner, Ahab's personal guard. He emphasizes the mystical atmosphere surrounding the captain throughout the narrative.