Ed Tom Bell is a fictional character from the novel "No Country for Old Men," written by Cormac McCarthy. He serves as the sheriff of a rural Texas county and represents the struggle between traditional law enforcement and the increasing violence in society. In the story, Bell grapples with his sense of morality and the changing world around him. His character reflects themes of aging, loss, and the challenges of understanding a new generation's brutality, making him a poignant figure in the narrative.