Eli Thompson is a fictional character from the television series Boardwalk Empire, which aired from 2010 to 2014. He is portrayed by actor Shea Whigham and is the brother of the main character, Nucky Thompson. Eli serves as the sheriff of Atlantic City and is involved in the criminal activities that take place during the Prohibition era. Throughout the series, Eli struggles with his loyalty to his brother and his own ambitions. His character experiences significant development, facing challenges that test his morals and relationships. Eli's journey reflects the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of organized crime on personal lives.