What does the character of Starbuck represent in Moby-D?

joy

obsession

reason

irrationality

c) reason

Starbuck is the rational and reasonable character used to balance Captain Ahab's behavior.

reason

Explanation:

In Moby D. ick, Starbuck is the character that contrasts with Ahab. While Ahab feels ready to compromise the ship's mission, and endanger the lives of the men in order to pursue the whale, Starbuck acts like the voice of reason. He is certain Ahab is mad, he thinks following the whale is foolish and dangerous, and he disagrees with Ahab's methods and way of thinking. However, Starbuck ultimately cannot do anything to change the fateful course of the captain.