At the age of 21 Doyle discovered that he was half demon on his father's side. Although his young wife, Harry, embraces this news to the extent that she becomes a very learned demonologist, Doyle finds it hard to come to terms with. Their differing opinions lead to the break up of their marriage, Doyle leaving his job as teacher and turning to drink and gambling.
After turning his back on his own kind, The Powers That Be teach him a lesson by giving him the gift of visions of people in trouble that leave him with blinding headaches.
When Angel arrives in L.A., The Powers send Doyle to him to help him in is quest to seek redemption. Doyle instantly falls for the lovely Cordelia, but cannot bring himself to tell her either of his love or his half demon heritage. Being a half demon, however, is actually way down Cordelia's list of reasons not to date Doyle, being too short and too poor coming much higher.
After a brush with death when his ex-wives new demon boyfriend invites him to his bachelor party in order to complete the ritual of eating the ex-husbands brains, Doyle finally becomes a hero when he sacrifices his own life to save the world. Before doing so he lets Cordelia know his feelings and kisses her, passing on his gift of visions.
