Benny, often called Benny-Boy by his crewmates, is a core member of the Lagoon Company in the anime Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage. He is a young American man of Jewish descent with a skinny build, pale skin, and long blond hair that he typically ties back in a ponytail. He wears thin, squarish glasses and is almost always seen in a casual orange Hawaiian shirt, which has become a signature part of his appearance.

Benny’s background is that of a fugitive. Before coming to the criminal city of Roanapur, he was a university student in Florida. He got into serious trouble with both the FBI and the Mafia, forcing him to flee for his life. He would have likely been killed if not for Revy, who rescued him. He has been working for the Lagoon Company for two years by the time the series begins, making him a seasoned member of the crew.

His primary role within the group is that of the communications officer, radio operator, mechanic, and computer specialist. He is the crew's technological backbone, handling hacking, research, and electronic surveillance. He also functions as the team's driver when they are on land, often behind the wheel of a classic American muscle car. On the water, he is capable of piloting their torpedo boat, the Black Lagoon, when Dutch is not at the helm.

Personality-wise, Benny is laid-back, easygoing, and notably non-violent. He is a realist who has become fully desensitized to the brutal and morally ambiguous nature of his work in Roanapur. Unlike the newer member Rock, Benny does not struggle with the ethical compromises of their jobs. He readily admits that he is not a gunfighter and has no problem turning a blind eye to the violent methods of his partners, Revy and Dutch. While he forms a friendship with Rock over their shared status as the crew's non-combatants, he often tries to toughen Rock up, urging him to accept the harsh realities of their world rather than dwell on the suffering they witness.

Benny’s key relationships are primarily with his crewmates. Dutch, the leader, refers to him affectionately as Benny-Boy and trusts him implicitly with the ship and the operations. He shares a unique bond with Revy, as she is the one who saved his life, a debt that likely contributes to his willingness to overlook her violent tendencies. His most significant relationship with Rock is one of camaraderie and contrast; they are both outsiders who rely on brains over brawn, but Benny serves as a foil to Rock’s lingering morality, having already accepted a pragmatic, if cynical, worldview.

Throughout the story, Benny’s development is subtle but present. While he begins and remains the technical expert in the background, there are moments where he steps into a more active role. During the Greenback Jane arc in The Second Barrage, his computer skills become central to the plot, proving that he is more than just a passive observer. After impressing the forger Jane with his abilities, he begins an online relationship with her, hinting at a personal life beyond the crew. Despite his calm exterior, Dutch has noted that there is a hidden darkness lurking inside Benny, suggesting that he may have untapped depths or a past that has not been fully explored.

Benny’s notable abilities lie entirely in his technical and mechanical expertise. He is an expert hacker capable of breaking into secure networks and gathering intelligence. He is a skilled mechanic who maintains the Lagoon Company's boat and vehicles. He also serves as a researcher and strategist, providing the crew with the information they need to survive their dangerous missions. He possesses no combat skills and never carries a weapon, relying on his wits and his crewmates for protection.