# Ned — John Brown’s Body character guide

> Ned in John Brown’s Body by Stephen Vincent Benét.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Edmund Ruffin

**First appearance:** 0004-prelude

## Who they are

An elderly Southern fire-eater and secessionist, appears in historical scenes.

## Relationships

### [Aunt Bess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/aunt_bess)

_family_

Aunt Bess is Ned's maternal figure, providing care and guidance in a familial, protective relationship.

### [Jack Ellyat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/jack_ellyat)

_friendship_

Jack Ellyat and Ned are comrades, their friendship forged through shared experiences and mutual aid.

### [Jack Ellyat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/jack_ellyat)

_friendship_

Jack Ellyat and Ned are comrades, their friendship forged through shared experiences and mutual aid.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/ned
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters