Brian Donovan

Brian Donovan has always known to do the right thing. Born and raised in Newcrest, Brian had a great relationship with his parents and a healthy upbringing. However, the town saint has certainly had his fair share of mistreatment as his good will is often thrown back in his face by the corruption of Newcrest.

Season 1
Brian launches the Opening Night for his new restaurant, the Verdant, with the help of his son, Kevin. Businessman Hector Redwood offers a partnership but Brian suspects foul play and declines the offer. The Opening Night is a success and the Verdant quickly thrives in Newcrest. Brian warns Kevin to steer clear of the Redwoods. Rona, Brian's sister, arrives in Newcrest and claims she wants to reconnect with her brother. Brian is invited to a shindig by Mayor Eric Malloy and attends with Rona. Christina Redwood offers Brian another partnership deal and warns him to think tactically. Brian angrily makes a speech about the hypocrisy and corruption of the town. Later that night, criminals rob the Verdant with Brian, Kevin and Rona inside. Brian is beaten up and all The Verdant's savings are stolen. Eric tells Brian that the Red Viper gang are responsible. Rona suggests selling the Verdant freehold to cover financial matters but Brian refuses to avoid anyone stealing his business. Rona forges his signature and sells it to Hector Redwood. Peter Ramone turns up at the Verdant and reveals Brian is in major debt due to the damages from the robbery and Rona selling alcohol beyond licensing hours to sabotage Brian's business. Brian throws out his sister and breaks down. Brian's ex-wife, Jane Donovan arrives in Newcrest and slaps Rona for her betrayal. Roxy Redwood tricks her father and gives Brian ownership of the Verdant back. To celebrate, he hosts a Christmas party at the Verdant, where an unknown culprit shoots him to his supposed death.

Season 2
Brian remains in a coma for a few months. He eventually wakes up, reuniting with Jane and Kevin and revealing he has no recollection of who shot him. Eventually, Rona visits Brian and tries to make amends but Brian rejects her pleas and sends her away. Jane later visits Brian, who senses tension. It is later revealed Kevin discovered Alistair Blackwell to be the culprit and had travelled to Granite Falls to kill him, but fails in doing so and Alistair is arrested. As Brian continues to heal, he becomes romantically involved with his doctor, Gina Ramone.