The Enigma of the Main Character: Unpacking Benry in Lost

The question of who the main character is in the show Lost is a complex one, given the intricate layers of narrative and the characters involved. While there are several prominent figures, one character stands out: Michael Emerson's iconic role as Benry. This analysis scrutinizes the character's significance, providing insights into why he could be considered the show's true protagonist.

Charles Widmore and Benry: The Business Enterprise

The secret underpinning of Charles Widmore and Benry's influence is rooted in the vast business enterprise known as Alvar Hanso's International Business Corporation. This corporation existed but may have never had a true founder. By the time the events depicted in Lost are taking place, Widmore and Benry, who combined have the name Benry to match fans' terminology, are the true operators. They run a network of false identity and manipulation, skillfully orchestrating the final act of their manipulation through a complex scheme involving the fictional death of Alvar Hanso.

The Mysterious Business Scheme

Their grand scheme to sow confusion and maintain control is reminiscent of the episode Department S: One of Our Aircraft Is Empty where one schemer turns on another. In this instance, either Widmore or Benry secretly eliminated each other, leading to the fabrication of survivors to claim the deceased Alvar Hanso's orders. Benry set up the island as a staging ground with his own faked survival witnesses, while Widmore's team infiltrated the island with their pretend survivors. Both were vying for control over what they both claimed as that island.

Screen Time and Character Relevance

While both Charles Widmore and Benry played equal roles in the show's narrative, the amount of screen time devoted to Michael Emerson's character, Benry, decisively tips the balance. His dialogue and actions painted a vivid picture of the show's central themes. Benry’s actions and statements repeatedly underscore the idea of deception and identity theft. For instance, when he tells Jack, My name is Henry Gale, and when he admits to Sawyer about the rabbit, his deeds align with a deeper understanding of the show's intricate plot.

Meta-Details and Character Depth

Michael Emerson's career before and after the show adds a fascinating layer to his character analysis. Before being cast in Lost, he had been performing the character Hamlet, using a similar The Mouse Trap method to differentiate between genuine individuals and those who had been brainwashed candidates, a technique more akin to the plot in The Manchurian Candidate. After the show, his role in Person of Interest as Howard Finch further solidifies his influence, correlating with Basil Dignam's character in Department S: One of Our Aircraft Is Empty. These meta-details delve into the complexity of Emerson's acting and highlights how his character, Benry, is more than just a mirage.

By the time viewers deconstruct the layers of Lost, it becomes clear that Benry, despite the show's rich tapestry of characters, is a central protagonist. His roles, both on and off screen, underscore the show's themes of identity, manipulation, and the pursuit of power. This unique combination of narrative complexity and actor's career trajectory sets Benry apart, making him the show's most compelling and enigmatic figure.

Conclusion

The character of Benry, played by Michael Emerson, encapsulates the essence of what made Lost such a captivating series. His intricate storyline and the meta-details surrounding his career provide a deeper understanding of the show's central themes and the character's enduring legacy. In essence, Benry is not merely a supporting character but a key player in the grand narrative of Lost.