Benjamin Franklin is a historical figure and character in the eighteenth century. He was an American scientist, politician, and entrepreneur active in the 1700s. In the narrative, he is best known for his pioneering experiments with electricity, particularly his kite experiment that demonstrated the electrical nature of lightning, as well as his work on the lightning rod. He is a man of many talents, also having contributed significantly to the founding of the United States.

When the protagonist, a girl from the present day, travels back in time to the year 1752, she finds herself in Philadelphia and encounters Franklin. During this period, he is actively working to promote and develop the lightning rod, aiming to reduce the damage caused by lightning strikes to buildings and their inhabitants. He is shown to be a driven and intellectual individual, focused on his scientific work and its practical applications for public safety.

In the story, his role is that of a mentor and a figure of historical importance whom the main character meets during her journey through time. He is one of the eight prominent scientists and inventors the main character is destined to meet. The narrative highlights a specific event where the protagonist, after being helped by a young enslaved boy named Jean who is under Franklin's ownership, learns about Franklin's efforts to popularize the lightning rod. This encounter serves to educate both the characters and the audience about his scientific contributions. He is portrayed not just as a distant historical icon, but as a person actively engaged in his work, facing the challenges of his era.