Jacob and Leah’s eldest son. He has an affair with Bilhah, his father’s concubine and who is older than him. He tries to avoid having Joseph killed by his brothers. He is irresponsible, impetuous, immature and, at the same time, generous. He feels sorry for Joseph, but he envies him for taking his place as his father’s favorite. Still, he feels obliged to protect him. The father does not trust Reuben to be his successor. Reuben marries Naomi, even though he is in love with Bilhah.