Sam Merlotte is the owner of Merlotte's, the bar where Sookie Stackhouse works. Sam is in love with Sookie and is a shapeshifter that often takes the form of a collie that protects Sookie.

Age: late 20's, early 30's

Occupation: Owner of Merlotte's

Hometown: Wright, TX Resides in: Bon Temps

Species: shape-shifter

Supernatural charm:
Can turn into any animal he sees before he changes. He can't control shifting during a full moon. However, Sam can shift any other time as long as he wills it. But it's more difficult and takes longer. Being a Shape-shifter he can heal quickly.

Personality type:
Easy going, kind, emotive
Signature look: faded blue jeans, jean jacket, t-shirt or button up shirt with a small town/ good-ole-boy appeal
Endearing trait(s):
Loyal and Trustworthy

Strength(s):
Can shift into any animal as long as it's present.
Vulnerabilities: his shape-shifter secret, his jealous/possessive streak, his prejudices.

Character backstory:
Sam was adopted. When his adopted family started realising that there was something different about Sam they started distancing themselves from him. His Stepmother witnessed Sam shape-shifting into a dog as Sam ran into the woods. One day Sam returned home to an empty house. His adoptive parents had left. The house was completely empty without any furniture, with exception to Sam's room, which had not even been touched. He had been abandoned