Ben Collins always preferred the physical side of school, phys ed and playing rugby during the lunch break. He did well enough on the academic side to pursue sports medicine and science at university, though, and it was while working part time as a trainer at the school's gym he met Annalise Petersen, an ambitious economics major. The smart, determined woman soon had him wrapped around her little finger, and she decided that he would make a good enough partner for her.

They lived together through graduation, and married a few years after college. Annalise pursued her career with ruthless talent, climbing the corporate ladder with promotion after promotion, while Ben got a job as a PE teacher and sports coach at a secondary school. He enjoyed the work, until a funding crisis at the school caused him to be laid off. A similar crisis struck all around the district, making it hard for him to find other work beyond some part-time as a physiotherapist. Annalise pointed out that as long as he was out of work, there was no need for them to employ a maid, and Ben became the principle homemaker. He had no problem with doing the cooking and cleaning, the garden work and all else, but he worries that he has lost his wife's respect. Their sex life has grown cool, and she seems to regard him as a doormat.

Ben is big, hunky and friendly. He seems the sort for whom the term gentle giant was coined; he stands 6'4”, and his big shoulders, muscular arms, a deep chest and strong hands. Despite his size and power he moves carefully and gracefully, with a ready smile that puts others at ease. Square jawed and handsome, his buff brown hair is short, and he quickly grows a beard when he forgets to shave. He has gone to seed a little since becoming a house husband, is formerly six-pack abs slightly padded out.