Ishmael, who prefers the nickname Ish, is a major character in The End, and also arguably the main antagonist of the novel. Ishmael is the leader of a cult of sorts who, until The End, have never challenged his ways. Although he always tells the people of the island "I won't force you," it soon becomes apparent to the Baudelaires that his decisions go largely unquestioned and his suggestions are obeyed like orders anyway, due to peer pressure. He also frequently warns them not to "rock the boat."