Ben Birnbaum is Anna Percy's boyfriend for most of the book. The two mutually break up when Anna can see that the relationship is interferring with Ben's college studies. Ben attends Princeton but is a California boy at heart. He enjoys outdoor activities and takes Anna on several excursions, including kayaking, bicycling and a romantic evening on his yacht. Ben is insecure about leaving for the East Coast when Anna is so sought after by other men and he expresses jealousy at several points in the book. He is also hesitant about leaving home because his father is recovering from a debilitating gambling addiction. Before he gets on an airplane to go back to Princeton, Ben flashes Anna one of his trademark smiles, assuring her that he is okay with their decision to break up.
