Benaren was an Ocampan male, husband of Martis and father of Kes.
He died in 2370, when Kes was one year old. Kes said that he was the greatest influence in her life. He helped her formulate her opinions and give her strength to leave her underground city, which led her to join the USS Voyager. (VOY: "Dreadnought", "Resolutions")
In 2372, she recommended his name to Samantha Wildman as a possible choice for her unborn baby. Samantha liked it, but did not choose it. When The Doctor revealed that he was considering alien names for his new name as well as Human ones, she said he could use it too and didn't think Samantha would mind. He declined out of consideration for the pregnant woman. (VOY: "Dreadnought")
During one of Kes' jumps back in time due to radiation poisoning from a Krenim weapon, she met her father in 2370 when she was approximately six months old. During another, she witnessed Benaren assist her mother in delivering her. (VOY: "Before and After")
Benaren was played by actor Michael L. Maguire.
Benaren was originally named Amis in the script of "Before and After". The script also described him as "warm and energetic".