Benjamin Linus

Benjamin Linus
Lost character
Michael Emerson as Benjamin Linus
First appearance	"One of Them" (as Henry Gale) "The Glass Ballerina" (as Ben Linus)
Last appearance	"The New Man in Charge"
Created by	Jeffrey Lieber J. J. Abrams Damon Lindelof
Portrayed by	Michael Emerson Sterling Beaumon (Young Ben)
Centric episode(s)	"The Man Behind the Curtain" "The Shape of Things to Come" "Dead Is Dead" "Dr. Linus" "What They Died For"
Information
Full name	Benjamin Begale Linus
Aliases	Henry Gale, Dean Moriarty
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Occupation	Leader of the Others Teacher (flash-sideways)
Children	Alex Rousseau (adoptive daughter)
Relatives	Roger Linus (father) Emily Linus (mother)
Nationality	American

Benjamin "Ben" Linus is a fictional character portrayed by Michael Emerson on the ABC television series Lost. Ben was the leader of a group of island natives called the Others and was initially known as Henry Gale to the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815. He began as the main antagonist during the second and third seasons, but in subsequent seasons, becomes a morally ambiguous ally to the main characters. Other characters frequently describe him as loyal only to himself, though it is also often hinted that he may be driven by some higher purpose.

As with most characters on Lost, Ben's history is revealed through flashbacks and episodes set in other time periods which are revealed slowly as the series progresses. Sterling Beaumon first portrayed a young Ben late in season three, in the character's first centric episode, "The Man Behind the Curtain". Ben's childhood is further explored in the fifth season of the series, partially set in 1977. Fifth season episode "Dead Is Dead" explores Ben's fragile state following the events of the fourth season, in which his loyalty to the island led to the death of his adoptive daughter Alex Rousseau (Tania Raymonde), and flashbacks show the audience Ben's original acquisition of Alex and his rise to leadership of the Others, after exiling his rival Charles Widmore (Alan Dale). Originally cast for three guest appearances in the second season, Emerson's role was expanded. As leader of the Others, Ben became a regular cast member from the third season onward. Reviews of the show would often focus on Ben's mysterious motives. Emerson's portrayal garnered many positive reviews, resulting in nominations for the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor year-on-year from 2007 to 2010, winning in 2009.