Benjamin Linus versus Charles Widmore was an ongoing conflict seemingly for the protection and/or control of the Island. This conflict was one of the most central rivalries of Lost. It started in approximately 1988 when Ben kidnapped Alex Rousseau against Charles's orders. The conflict ended with the death of Charles Widmore at the hands of Ben after The Man in Black threatened the life of Penny Widmore. Both express entitlement to the Island even though both share some history with the Island.