Benjamin Horne
Benjamin Joseph Horne is a fictional character in the television series Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, portrayed by Richard Beymer.As the series progressed, he was revealed, like many of the show's other characters, to have a hidden side; beneath his ruthless, greedy facade, he is a lonely, deeply-depressed man who is disappointed with how his family and life turned out.The Great Northern also acts, on occasion, as a de facto town hall, and the only place in Twin Peaks suitable for a wedding reception, making it one of the hubs of the community.He acts as a contrast to the simple people of Twin Peaks, while he lacks their folk wisdom, he is nonetheless extremely intelligent, worldly, and well-read, capable of quoting Shakespearean sonnets on cue.Ben takes a particular shine to Leland's daughter, Laura, who as a child encompassed all the qualities lacking in Audrey: Quiet, good natured, and sweet.The murder both puts Leland out of commission and gives Audrey the opportunity to paint Twin Peaks as a dangerous place, frightening away her father's potential investors.Following Laura's funeral, Horne pours all of his energies into obtaining the Packard Saw Mill land, some of the most valuable real estate in Twin Peaks.Shortly after Audrey's safe return, a misunderstanding in a clue provided to Cooper by Mike leads to Horne being arrested for the murder of Laura Palmer.Eventually, Horne is used as a pawn to draw out the real killer; Cooper brings him to a meeting of suspects at the Roadhouse, which is also attended by the Great Northern's elderly room service waiter.His psychiatrist, Dr. Lawrence Jacoby, theorizes that Horne is at least partially aware of reality, and that his fantasy is an attempt to reverse his recent misfortunes and start anew.