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 the main antagonist during seasons 2 and 3, but in subsequent seasons, became more of an uneasy ally and anti-hero. He organizes the capture of some of the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, which crashes on the Island on September 22, 2004 so that he can convince Jack Shephard (Matthew Fox), a doctor from the plane crash, to operate on him. Later, he allows another survivor, John Locke (Terry O'Quinn), to join the Others and eventually replace him as leader when Ben is transported away from the island after an attempt to prevent it being discovered by his arch-enemy Charles Widmore (Alan Dale), but later returns to the island by plane with the help of Eloise Hawking (Fionnula Flanagan). 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. Originally cast for three guest appearances in the second season, Emerson's role was expanded to the leader of the Others and he became a regular cast member from the third season onward. Ben's perfected ability to lie and manipulate has led to speculation of his true motives. Emerson's portrayal of Ben has garnered many positive reviews and resulted in a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor - Drama Series in both 2007 and 2008. (via Wikipedia)