Nathan West is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network, portrayed by Ryan Paevey.

Created by head writer Ron Carlivati, Nathan was introduced in late 2013 by Frank Valentini as a love interest for Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms).

The character of Nathan becomes quite popular rather quickly among viewers and critics, becoming known as the show's resident heroic "good guy" as he tries to support his mess of a family.

Detective Nathan West arrives in Port Charles, and meets Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) when he sublets her apartment.

[2] Nathan is shocked when Madeline falls into the trap to catch the killer, and confesses she drugged Nina to kill her unborn child.

Nathan rescues Maxie, and the two end up killing Levi and his father, Peter Harrell (David Gautreaux).

Nathan asks for help from his mother, who arranges for Monica Quartermaine (Leslie Charleson) to appeal to the judge on Maxie's behalf.

Nathan teams up with Spinelli's ex-girlfriend Ellie Trout (Emily Wilson), pretending to date to make their respective lovers jealous.

Nathan learns Nurse Amy Driscoll (Risa Dorken) has been writing the "Ask Man Landers" advice blog, using his picture.

Nathan is initially upset until Amy reveals she is writing the column to support her brother Chet (Chris Van Etten), a war veteran who was wounded in action.

[13] In late December 2013, head writer Ron Carlivati announced on Twitter that model turned actor Ryan Paevey had joined the cast in the contract role of Detective Nathan West.

[14] The December 30th edition of Soap Opera Digest revealed that Paevey's first scenes were with Kirsten Storms, who played Maxie Jones.

"[20] Paevey told Soaps In Depth that Nathan's birth name, "James represents a part his family [and himself] that is restricted."

"[16] It is soon revealed that Nathan is in town investigating his estranged brother-in-law Silas Clay (Michael Easton) in the attempted murder of his comatose sister Nina.

[27] In 2014, legendary actress Donna Mills, known for her portrayal of Abby Cunningham on the prime time soap, Knots Landing was cast in the role of Madeline Reeves—Nathan's mother.

"[22] Nathan partners up with Silas and his girlfriend Sam Morgan (Kelly Monaco) to set a trap for Ava believing she is guilty.

"[31] When Madeline is released from prison, Nathan tries to give her the benefit of the doubt because her actions don't negate the good she did in raising him.

[38] During an interview in July 2014, Ryan Paevey guessed that his character would turn out to be a member of the famous, yet infamous Cassadine family.

[29] Meanwhile, speculation increased when Penghlis invited Paevey to appear with him at his book signing and fed into the rumors with cryptic messages on social media.

[41] In May 2016, Paevey commented on the character's paternity plot taking a backseat as his story progressed and felt it would definitely be addressed sometime in the future.

Ron Carlivati recalled during an interview with Soap Opera Digest, "When we saw Ryan [Paevey, Nathan] we thought, 'Oh, wow, he'd be really great for Maxie.

According to Paevey, Nathan understands Maxie's need to make it work with Spinelli for the child's sake and knows there will "always" be love between them.

[32] Nathan is briefly paired with Spinelli's girlfriend Ellie Trout (Emily Wilson) when they team up to make their respective loves jealous.

Though he has some encouragement from Griffin Munro (Matt Cohen), Paevey insisted that Nathan would've eventually came clean on his own—but confiding in the doctor-priest helped hasten his decision.

[47][48] Of the fan reaction, ABC Soaps In Depth said Paevey was an "instant hit on social media and the internet," and described as the "next big thing.

"[49] Connie Passalacqua of the soap opera website, Marlena De Lacroix listed Paevey as one of the daytime four actors to watch in 2014.

[31] Of the character's introduction, the magazine said, "We can't help but love a man of mystery, and that's what General Hospital's Nathan –– whom we've dubbed Detective Sexypants –– is to us right now.

[21] Within Paevey's first year on the series, his character entered into a relationship with Maxie Jones that became quite popular with viewers and critics alike.

"[59] General Hospital Blog praised the duo's chemistry described Nathan and Maxie (known as Naxie) as "one of the most loveable couples on GH.

"[55][60] TVSource Magazine praised the duo's chemistry as well as the "slow burn" writing for the pairing: "Nathan and Maxie have reminded us what a soap couple worth for looks like.