Question

What was the role of Ishmael?

Answer 1

Ishmael acts as the narrator of the story while Ahab is really the main character of the story. Ishmael is there to observe and narrate the ongoing events

Answer 2

Answer: Ishmael, the only surviving crew member of the Pequod, is the narrator of the book. His importance relies on his role as narrator; as a character, he is only a minor participant in the action and the main protagonist is Captain Ahab. The Biblical name has come to symbolize orphans, exiles, and social outcasts.