Benjamin "Ben" Linus is a fictional character on the ABC television series Lost played by Michael Emerson. He is the de facto antagonist and leader of the group known as "the Others." During the second season he was known by the alias "Henry Gale." In the second season, the character was a recurring guest although for the third season his status was elevated to main cast. Michael Emerson has stated that "I have full sympathy [for Ben]. I believe he has a mission and an agenda that he hasn’t shared with us yet. The survival of the earth may depend on Ben’s work, so it justifies his ruthless behavior. Maybe I’m just fantasizing or deluding myself."