Benji (Benjamin) Woodside

Benjamin, or "Benji," Woodside is the protagonist of *Hell Followed with Us* by Andrew Joseph White. He is a 16-year-old trans boy who escapes evangelical settlement of New Nazareth and currently a member of the Archeson LGBTQ+ Center.

## Benji Woodside

### Other Names

Benjamin
Sister Woodside (New Nazareth)
Esther (Sister Kipling, Reverend Mother Woodside)
Seraph (New Nazareth)'Short stuff' (Salvador)

### Affiliation

New Nazareth (formerly)
ALC

## Biographical Information

### Relatives

Reverend Mother Woodside
Unnamed Father

## Status

### Relationship Status

Theo (ex-fiancee)
Nick (implied)

## Description

At the beginning of the book Benji is described as a short, young-looking boy with short orange-brown hair. Benji states that "I could be mistaken for twelve on a bad day." As the book continues Benji's appearance changes drastically, as his skin begins to become discolored and eventually becomes rotten and sloughs off. His mouth opens unnaturally, nearly from ear-to-ear, and his teeth are replaced by glass-sharp "Grace teeth", each a finger long. When he eventually becomes Seraph he gains six fleshy, flightless wings and his stature increases tremendously, towering over Theo whom Benji had at one point been shorter than by several inches. Benji's eyes become clouded and white, his skin pulled tight over his skull, and he gains a tail made of sinew and bone.

## Personality

Benji is described as quiet, reserved, and empathetic. He cares deeply about his friends and chosen family of the ALC. He is shown to feel immense guilt about his effect on the people around him, both as Benji and as a Seraph. Throughout the story,

## Powers

Benji, as the host body for the twentieth Seraph, gains multiple powers during and after his transformation. Benji is able to control the Graces and calm them or command them. He is also able to control The Flood, quickening the progress of infections.

## Biography

Benji was born "Esther" Woodside and lived in the settlement of New Nazareth since his mother (Reverend Mother Woodside) moved him and his father there when he was eleven. There he fell in love with a boy named Theo. After his mother discovered the relationship between him and Theo they became engaged and betrothed to each other. When trying to leave Benji is attacked by Theo before he eventually runs away with his father after being infected with Seraph. His father is shot and killed and Benji runs into the Watch. The Watch take him back to the ALC where he is given a deal by ALC leaders Nick and Erin who know of his condition and want to help him escape. He joins the Watch as a lookout, as the group travels to Reformation Faith Evangelical Church. There Benji reunites with Theo, and promises to return to him after Theo apologizes and says he left New Nazareth. Benji returns to Theo with food and several other items, before sitting next to him within the church. Theo begs Benji to stay but Benji sneaks out of the church, only to find the ALC on fire. After the fire, Benji deduces Theo betrayed him and ventures off to kill him. He is stopped by Nick. With Nick and Erin, Benji comes up with a plan to return to New Nazareth before turning all the Graces on the cult members. He returns to Reformation Church and is taken back to New Nazareth. When in the river with Reverend Brother Ward for his absolution Benji is cut across his back and temple before being stabbed in both of his palms. Seraph finally emerges from his body and he is tested for a week. He sends Sister Kipling to deliver a Grace to the gate of the city, with a small beaded lizard to give to Nick and the ALC. As Benji is being lead to the gate to begin the cultists' plans Reverend Brother Ward gives a speech before beginning to wed Benji and Theo. Benji rejects this and as he does Nick and the ALC begin firing into the crowd. Benji sends the Graces to attack the Angels. He has a final fight with Theo before Theo is killed. Benji, Nick, and the rest of the Watch then return to the rest of the ALC.

## Important Relationships

### Theo

Theo is Benji's ex-boyfriend and fiancée. They met when both characters were quite young and would meet during church. The two were deeply in love with each other, Theo was one of the few people who saw Benji as he was, as a boy.