A drifter on trial for barn-burning who arrives in Frenchman's Bend. Gaining the favor of wealthy patriarch Will Varner, he competes with Jody for Clara's hand, pursues her aggressively, and ultimately reveals his past before leaving town as Clara confesses her love.
Their relationship develops from hostility into mutual love.
Will schemes to bring Ben and Clara together, Ben aggressively pursues her, and Clara eventually makes clear that she has fallen in love with him.
Will uses his wealth and authority to elevate Ben.
Will comes to admire Ben's ruthlessness and ambition, offers to make him wealthy if he marries Clara, and invites him to live in the family mansion.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Long, Hot Summer