The nameless narrator is Ishmael’s fifth student and the only one who isn’t completely defeated at the end of his instruction. The narrator was an idealistic youth who’s grown into a somewhat jaded yet hopeful adult. He’s open-minded and maintains his desire to save the world, though he often finds it difficult to maintain a sense of hope. The narrator can be self-centered but strives to see Ishmael as not only a teacher but a friend. He’s unsure of his ability to be a teacher after Ishmael’s death.