Who is Ben Pentland from Christy and what is their importance?

Ben Pentland is the mailman in Cutter Gap. He takes his job very seriously. Ben also agrees to take Christy the seven snow-covered miles on foot from El Pano to Cutter Gap though he isn;t thrilled at the prospect. At first he is cantankerous and reluctant, but once they set off, he is a very good and gentlemanly companion.