Eli Sunday is a fictional character from the film "There Will Be Blood," directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. He is portrayed by actor Paul Dano and serves as a charismatic yet manipulative preacher. Eli represents the intersection of religion and capitalism in early 20th-century America, often clashing with the film's protagonist, Daniel Plainview, played by Daniel Day-Lewis. In the story, Eli leads a small religious community and seeks to expand his influence while competing with Daniel for power and resources. Their rivalry highlights themes of ambition, greed, and the moral complexities of their pursuits in the oil-rich landscape of California.