Who was Elka-nah Bent in North and South by John Jakes?

Elka-nah Bent is a character in John Jakes' historical novel "North and South." He is a Southern plantation owner who embodies the complexities of the antebellum South and its social dynamics. His character reflects the tensions between tradition and change during the period leading up to the Civil War, showcasing the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in that era.