Arby Benton is a character from Michael Crichton’s novel The Lost World: Jurassic Park, published in 1995. Although he does not appear in the film adaptation of The Lost World: Jurassic Park, his character plays a significant role in the book and has influenced the development of subsequent characters in the Jurassic Park franchise.
Arby Benton is one of the two young stowaways who accompany Richard Levine, an arrogant paleontologist, on a mission to Isla Sorna, a secret InGen facility where the dinosaurs were initially bred and raised. In the novel, Arby and his friend Kelly Curtis are seventh-grade students who work as research assistants for Levine as part of a court order [4][5].
In the novel The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Arby Benton and Kelly Curtis are integral to the narrative. They stow away on the boat to Isla Sorna, where they become embroiled in the dangerous mission to document and study the dinosaurs. The duo’s presence adds a layer of complexity and risk to the expedition, as they are not trained for the dangers they face.
Throughout the book, Arby and Kelly use their resourcefulness and quick thinking to survive the island’s deadly creatures. They assist the main characters, including Ian Malcolm and Richard Levine, in navigating the island and dealing with the various threats they encounter. Their journey is marked by close calls with dinosaurs, treacherous terrain, and the internal conflicts within the group [4][5].
Arby Benton is portrayed as a young, intelligent, and resourceful individual. He and Kelly Curtis are depicted as being more level-headed and practical than the adult characters, often providing a fresh perspective on the situations they face. Arby’s character is significant because he represents the innocence and curiosity of youth, which contrasts sharply with the more cynical and experienced adults around him.
Arby’s motivations are driven by a desire to prove himself and help his friends. He is brave and willing to take risks, which often helps the group in critical moments. His strengths include his quick thinking and ability to adapt to new situations, while his flaws might include his impulsiveness and lack of experience in dealing with the dangers of the island.
The character of Arby Benton, along with Kelly Curtis, adds a humanizing element to the story. Their interactions and relationships with the other characters, particularly Ian Malcolm and Richard Levine, highlight the emotional and psychological aspects of the narrative, making the story more relatable and engaging for readers [4][5].
Arby Benton embodies several themes that are central to The Lost World: Jurassic Park. One of the primary themes is the clash between nature and human intervention. Arby’s presence on the island underscores the unpredictability and danger of tampering with nature, as he and the other characters face the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control.
Another theme is the resilience and resourcefulness of youth. Arby and Kelly’s ability to survive and contribute to the group’s survival highlights the potential and strength that young people can bring to challenging situations.
The character also symbolizes the idea of innocence and discovery. Arby’s experiences on the island serve as a rite of passage, where he learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the importance of respecting nature [4][5].
Although Arby Benton does not appear in the film adaptation of The Lost World: Jurassic Park, his character has had a significant cultural impact. In the film, elements of Arby’s character were combined with Kelly Curtis to create a single character, Kelly, who is portrayed as Ian Malcolm’s daughter. This adaptation allowed the film to retain the emotional and thematic elements that Arby and Kelly brought to the novel [4][5].
In subsequent releases of the Jurassic Park franchise, such as Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Camp Cretaceous, elements of Arby’s character have been adapted into new characters. For example, Franklin Webb in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Darius Bowman in Camp Cretaceous reflect some of the resourcefulness and bravery that defined Arby Benton [2][4].
The absence of Arby Benton from the film adaptation has been noted by critics and fans. While the film’s decision to combine characters was likely made to streamline the narrative and focus on key characters, it has been argued that this decision reduced the complexity and depth that Arby and Kelly brought to the story.
However, the inclusion of their character traits in later adaptations has been well-received. Fans appreciate the continuity and homage to the original characters, even if they are not directly portrayed. The critical reception of Arby Benton’s influence on the franchise highlights the enduring appeal of his character and the themes he represents [2][4].
Arby Benton’s legacy in the Jurassic Park franchise is significant despite his absence from the film adaptations. His character has inspired the development of subsequent young characters in the series, emphasizing the importance of youth, resourcefulness, and bravery.
The themes and symbolic elements that Arby embodies continue to resonate with audiences, making him a memorable and influential character in the world of Jurassic Park. His absence from the films has not diminished his impact, as his character traits and storylines continue to influence new works within the franchise.
In conclusion, Arby Benton is a pivotal character in the Jurassic Park series, even if he is not directly seen on screen. His influence on the narrative, themes, and subsequent characters ensures that his legacy endures, making him an integral part of the franchise’s rich and engaging universe.