No, Gwen is not Ben's girlfriend; she is his cousin.
Understanding Gwen and Ben's Relationship
While their relationship wasn't always intended to be familial, the final development of the characters established them as cousins.
Character Development Insights
According to information regarding the characters' creation:
- Original Concept: Gwen was initially conceived as a classmate, best friend, and potential romantic interest for Ben. She was planned to accompany him and his grandfather on a road trip, being the same age as Ben.
- Final Design: Later in development, she was changed to be his cousin, with the pair being the same age.
This development history clearly shows that although a romantic possibility was considered early on, the decision was made to make them relatives, specifically cousins.
Their Relationship Status
Based on the final character design and canon information, Ben and Gwen share a cousin relationship. They are part of the same family and travel together, often alongside their grandfather, but their bond is that of family members, not a romantic one.
- They are cousins.
- They travel together on adventures.
- They are the same age.
Therefore, the answer to the question of whether Gwen is Ben's girlfriend is definitively no, as they are portrayed as cousins.
