Benjamin Shorfosky - Character of the Month

 

Benjamin Shorofsky is a German born Music teacher at the School of the Arts. a single man, who never appears to have married he lives alone in a New York apartment. 

He is wise, caring and considerate. With his stern but fair approach he hopes to teach his students life lesson as well as the musical theory they need for their chosen careers.

He is often at odds with his students particularly Bruno and Ian, who feel they know more and don't need the classical training Shorfosky gives, in order for them to obtain the success they want. Deep down they know that their teacher is right and the pupils often go to the teacher for advice. 

In "Reunions" we learn that Shorofsky left Germany to escape the war leaving behind his girlfriend Freida which left him feeling very guilty for a long time. We also learn that he hates bureaucracy and anything that stifles freedom. He frequently is on opposing sides to Morloch in debates and how the School is run.

He cares deeply for his students not only offering the wise words but will also go the extra mile in order to help them with their problems. When Bruno is forced to leave school after the death of his father, Shorofsky lies in order to secure a loan to raise money for Bruno. When that fails he then takes it upon himself to find Bruno a suitable job.  When Jesse is under the threat of deportation, Shorfosky offers to adopt him to help keep him in America. 

When Shorofsky buys a classic car he persuades Miss Sherwood to teach him how to drive but despite her best attempts he still can't drive. However, we learn he has a great love of table tennis.

Shorofsky has a key to the School of the Arts which he seems to frequently lend to the students in order to let them access the school after hours.

In The Crazies Shorofsky is mugged on the school premises and severely injured and admitted to hospital. However, his stubbornness and his dislike of being reliant on others he discharged himself. 

Much loved and respected by the faculty Shorofsky has been at the School of the Arts for many years. However, in "Back To Something New" he became disillusioned with teach and was on the verge of quitting until Ian Ware arrived and the challenge of teaching Ian kept him in his job.

In the Deal we lean that Shorofsky is writing his autobiography, which Mrs Berg is helping him with, making people think they were having an affair. Sadly we never discover if the book was ever finished.