Sam Merlotte is the successful owner and operator of Merlotte's, the bar where Sookie Stackhouse works as a barmaid. He is described as being a small, blond man and a fair boss. He often bartends.  He's not a native to Bon Temps but is still well-respected within its community.  He's long been enamored of Sookie, though when the series opens he hasn't made anything of it. 

Sam is a shapeshifter and hispreferred shape is that of a collie, although he can change into any animal he sees. On nights when the moon is full, Sam, like all shapeshifters, feels a strong urge to change.  The rest of the time he can do it at will.

In True Blood, an upcoming HBO series, Sam will be played by American actor Sam Trammell.