During the Cold War between the Galactic Republic and the reconstituted Sith Empire, Markan, a Human male, held the position of assistant Overseer. He was stationed at the Sith Academy on the planet Korriban. While serving there, he took orders from Sith such as Lord Zash. Markan was instructed by Zash to guide acolytes training at the academy toward instructors located in the archives, who would subsequently impart martial skills to them. One of the acolytes he directed to these instructors was the future apprentice of Zash, the Sith Inquisitor, whom Markan sent to Samus.
Following the Eternal Empire conquest, Empress Acina's surrender of the Sith Empire to the Eternal Empire of Zakuul prompted Markan to abandon his Overseer role. Disgusted, he left the Sith Academy, ultimately finding refuge on Port Nowhere.
Markan considered aliens to be inferior when compared to both Humans and members of the Sith species. However, he tolerated their presence due to orders from his superiors. He had a pale complexion, green eyes, and black hair. During his time at the academy, he was typically seen wearing black and red robes.
Markan's initial appearance was in Star Wars: The Old Republic, a MMORPG developed by BioWare and released in 2011. He played a role in the "A Fighting Chance" quest, which was exclusive to the Sith Inquisitor class and involved directing them to a class trainer. If the player character was of a non-Human or Sith species, Markan would express his distaste. Nolan North provided the voice for the character.
Markan makes a later appearance in the Imperial storyline "Chains in the Dark" on Port Nowhere, where, if the player is a Sith Warrior or Inquisitor, he directs them to Gizmel Gam on Ord Mantell. Unique dialogue is available if the player is a Sith Inquisitor who completed his mission on Korriban. For Republic players, the Port Nowhere contact is Jedi Master Cedral Gend.