Who is Moby Dick - The White Whale from Moby Dick and what is their importance?

Moby Dick is a gigantic white sperm whale who is responsible for the loss of Ahab’s leg. He has been wounded many times from past hunts but he lives much to the chagrin of Ahab. Moby Dick is more of a symbol than a character. He represents Ahab’s overwhelming obsession: a vendetta against a perceived evil.