# Ben (English Ben) — Two Years Before the Mast character guide

> Ben (English Ben) in Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** English Ben

**First appearance:** 0005-iii

## Who they are

An English sailor on the Pilgrim, known for his strength.

## In the story

### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxiii)

An English lad who belongs on the mizen topsail yard with the narrator; a good sailor for his years.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxix)

Ben is the crew member who is desperate to leave California and is the subject of the exchange arrangement, with the narrator helping to find a volunteer to take his place.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxxv)

Ben is severely afflicted with scurvy, unable to walk or open his mouth, but recovers rapidly after drinking raw potato juice and eating fresh onions and potatoes.

## Links

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- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/characters