Who is Bennie Castro from Black and Blue: A Novel and what is their importance? Black-and-Blue-(novel) English & Literature Bennie Castro | Black and Blue: A Novel

Bennie Castro is the young son of a large Cuban family who live in the same apartment complex as Beth Crenshaw and her son, Robert. Bennie becomes good friends with Robert, helping him get past the difficult aspects of beginning a new life in a new place. However, friendship with Bennie causes Robert some moral confusion when he hears people making fun of Bennie because of his racial persuasion. Robert recalls his father making fun of Cubans just like the boy at school. When Beth cannot clearly satisfy Robert's questions, Robert calls home to speak with his father. This phone call allows Bobby to find his wife and child.