Tom Snyder (Eden Rising)

Tom Snyder is the lead character in Eden Rising, a former small-town sheriff now leading a group of survivors through post-apocalyptic United States. Tom was married to his high school sweetheart, Annie, who died giving childbirth. The child, Darla, survived. Tom has since been devoted to raising Darla, though Annie's death has deeply traumatized Tom and has completely shaped his future. Now plagued by guilt of Annie's death, Tom is accursed with ending his relationships because of his inability to get over Annie. He married a nurse, Kate, early in Darla's childhood, but that marriage ended amicably. He was once in a relationship with Darla's teacher Sidney Strauss, but they have since ended things. Now he is currently in a relationship with Leigh Vega, a military girl Tom met while on the road with the group, hoping that their relationship will not suffer the same fate as his others.

People look up to Tom, not only for the badge and gun he carries, but because of his natural charm. He has a way with people and is great under pressure, unless it involves his family. When Darla is put in danger, Tom can easily lose it and start blaming his problems on others. Since one of his recent outbursts, his people have began to doubt his leadership skills and turn to Gwen Hayes, causing a split of loyalties in the group.