Montblanc Noland was an admiral in the Lvneel Kingdom and a renowned explorer who lived approximately four hundred years before the main events of the story. He made multiple expeditions into the Grand Line, a feat few sailors of his era accomplished, and even ventured into the New World. During one journey, he discovered a City of Gold on the island of Jaya and befriended the Shandia people living there. When he returned to his kingdom and relayed this discovery, King of Lvneel organized an expedition to retrieve the gold. However, upon arrival, the entire city had vanished due to a geological event that sent it into the sky. Unable to produce the gold, Noland was branded a liar and executed. His story survived as a North Blue fairy tale known as Liar Norland, in which he was depicted as a grinning trickster who fabricated tales of golden cities.

In reality, Noland was an honest, brave, and deeply compassionate man. He was fearless and unflappable, maintaining his composure even in the most dangerous situations. He possessed a strong sense of justice and never hesitated to risk his own life to help others, whether strangers or people he had just met. This sense of duty drove him to act decisively, though he sometimes did so without fully consulting those affected. For example, on Jaya, he cut down trees considered sacred by the Shandia in order to cure a deadly epidemic that plagued their village. He was genuinely remorseful upon learning of the trees significance and ordered his crew to leave behind all the gold they had collected as an apology. His motivations were rooted in a desire to explore the unknown, understand the world, and aid those in need, which he pursued with determination and a happy-go-lucky spirit. He remained steadfast in his account of the golden city even as he faced execution, and his final words were hopes for the well-being of his friend Kalgara.

His role in the story is primarily as a historical figure whose legacy directly shapes the Skypiea and Dressrosa arcs. The Straw Hat Pirates uncover the truth of his adventures, which clears the name of his descendant, Montblanc Cricket. His tale also parallels Usopps own journey of being dismissed as a liar, reinforcing the theme that truth and courage can prevail over slander and time.

Nolands most significant relationship was with Kalgara, the warrior chief of the Shandia. The two initially clashed but developed a deep mutual respect and friendship. Kalgara was said to be visibly happier and less stern when Noland was present. Noland also formed a bond with the Tontatta tribe on Green Bit, whom he protected from human exploiters, earning him lasting hero status among them. He had a wife and a child at home, but following his execution, his family was ostracized by society.

Over the course of his portrayal, Noland develops from a misunderstood figure into a vindicated hero. Initially remembered as a fool, the revelation of his true deeds recontextualizes his entire life as one of honor and sacrifice. His legacy serves as an example of how history can distort the truth, yet genuine goodness can be recognized across centuries.

Noland possessed exceptional physical abilities. He was a highly skilled swordsman, capable of slaying the massive serpent deity Kashigami with a single blow. He was strong enough to kill a Sea King underwater with his bare hands and could hold his own in direct combat with Kalgara, considered the greatest warrior in Shandia history. He also demonstrated superhuman endurance, surviving for hours while trapped under a massive weight of rock and remaining conscious despite the pressure. Beyond combat, he was an accomplished botanist and physician who single handedly cured the Shandia village of a lethal plague. As a captain, he commanded unwavering loyalty from his crew and successfully navigated the Grand Line multiple times, a testament to his seamanship and leadership.