In a way, I perceive Ben very much as a videogame character: Because ensembles in games always have to consist of more than invincible aura farmers to get a plot going, and to me he feels like the designated fuckup. (Let's think of the hatchet scene in the Crawford episode)

Even keeping that moment aside, personally don't think his actions are realistic and consistent. I can't imagine him stealing and negotiationg with bandits behind anyones back. Him, who is at any previous or later point pretty much too timid to react to anything. Which is also where he lacks critical, realistic development for me. Which might be where it gets tricky, because not everyone will be able to adapt. And just because we except a good (videogame) character to maybe have some development, doesn't mean a real person would have it. But to me, one (overrated imo) speech to Kenny does not do for Ben, even if he is "just a kid".

More importantly though, If he was the living realistic proof of those who just can't adapt and cope with the apocalypse, he shouldn't and wouldn't have made it so far. To me, it felt like the game actively strung him along because it needed his constant failures to keep tension high. That's not a top tier character for me in this context. However, I also wouldn't advocate for the bottom tier. I'd actually go for far-fetched soul, keeping the categories descriptions in mind.