Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson

The corrupt treasurer of Atlantic County and its most powerful political figure, Enoch Nucky Thompson controls the monies coming into the city from its many legal enterprises, as well as an assortment of illegal ones -- including the majority of the illicit alcohol that comes into Atlantic City's port and is distributed up the east coast and into Chicago. The series begins on the eve of the beginning of Prohibition -- an event marked by the popping of champagne as Nucky and his associates anticipate making lots of money. The ban on alcohol proves to be a boon to Nucky and his associates who now control the highly coveted product.In addition, Nucky controls the police force through his younger brother Elias Eli Thompson, who is the sheriff of Atlantic City. Nucky commands the shaky agreements fueled by graft, bribes and political, as well as personal, favors -- and he gets a cut from the hotels, brothels, casinos and speakeasys he allows to continue running, business as usual.Nucky is one of the richest men in Atlantic City, where he lives with his girlfriend -- a former burlesque dancer -- in the penthouse suite of the Ritz Carlton on the Boardwalk. His wife died young, leaving him childless and a strange attraction that has sprung up between himself and a married Irish immigrant threatens more than just his domestic tranquility. As his bootlegging business takes off, Nucky finds himself hard pressed to keep control over the empire he has built and the ties he has forged along the way.Nucky has a strained relationship with his emotionally absent and physically abusive father, while Eli is more forgiving and loving toward their dad. Show less «