Nolan,computer genius and Emily's wealthy ally with a cocky attitude and poor social skills. After dropping out of college, he co-founded Nolcorp, a software company, together with David Clarke. Nolcorp became a great success, making him the sixth youngest billionaire on Forbes list and a well-known celebrity. Because he was grateful to David, Nolan offers to help his daughter. Emily is initially reluctant to trust him and tries to repulse him through intimidation or use of force. Over time,she however accepts his involvement in her activities. Nolan is Emily's first port of call when she needs a computer or cell phone hacked, an anonymous email sent, something decrypted or something doctored. The two's relationship develops to the point that in Season 3, Emily bought Nolan a new house and Nolan walked Emily down the isle at her wedding. They repeatedly talk about trusting each other and discuss the morality of their actions.

Nolan is also very generous towards Porter family, helping them whenever he can – financially or otherwise. In season one, he helped Porters keep their bar during a period of financial troubles, paid Declan's tuition and even offered to help them keep their house. His efforts in matchmaking between Jack Porter and Emily often triggers Emily's wrath.

Nolan is bisexual; although he often hits on women at Grayson parties (much to Ashley Davenport's chagrin), he had a relationship with Nolcorp's former CFO, Marco Romero, for many years until 2006. He had a brief relationship with Tyler Barrol in the first season, with his new CFO, Padma Lahari, in the second season, and with Patrick Osbourne, Victoria's illegitimate son, in the third season. Although Ashley has made it a priority to get closer to rich men and women, She and Nolan cannot tolerate each other; she sums up her idea of him as "perennial pain in the arse" while he calls her "fun police".

Nolan was a target of physical aggression more than anybody else in the series. In season one, he is beaten by Emily (twice), Frank Stevens, Tyler Barrol, Jack Porter and Gordon Murphy. In the season 2 finale, Nolan – like David Clarke – was framed by the Initiative (a terrorist organisation) for terrorist attacks and was arrested. In season 3, however, it is revealed that Nolan was able to install a failsafe in the very program that led to his arrest in the first place, enabling the FBI to (off-screen) shut down the Initiative.