The picture of Dorian Gray is a novel written by Oscar Wilde.

The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward, who is greatly impressed by Dorian's physical beauty and becomes strongly infatuated with him, believing that his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art.

Talking in Basil's garden, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Lord Henry suggests that the only thing worth pursuing in life is beauty, and the fulfilment of the senses.

Realising that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian cries out, wishing that the portrait Basil has painted of him would age rather than himself.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered one of the last works of classic gothic horror fiction.

The characters

• Dorian Gray -> an extremely handsome young man who becomes enthralled with Lord Henry's idea of a new hdonism. He wish that he could always stay young and that the picture could grow old.


• Basil Hallward -> an artist who have put muchj of himself into the painting of Dorian Gray. Dorian helps Basil to realise his artistic potential, as Basil's portrait of Dorian proves to be his finest work.


• Lord Henry Wotton - a friend of Basil, but later becomes more intrigued with Dorian's beauty and naivety. Extremely witty, He corrupts Dorian with his world view, as Dorian attempts to emulate him. Basil calls him "Harry".


• Sibyl Vane - An extremely poor but beautiful actress with whom Dorian falls in love. Her love for Dorian destroys her acting career, as she no longer finds pleasure in portraying fictional love when she has a true love in reality.


• James Vane - Sibyl's brother who is to become a sailor and leave for Australia. He is extremely protective of his sister, especially as his mother is useless and concerned only with Dorian's money. He is hesitant to leave his sister, believing Dorian will harm her.


• Mrs. Vane - Sibyl and James's mother, an old and faded actress. She has consigned herself and Sibyl to a poor theatre house to pay her debts. She is extremely pleased when Sibyl meets Dorian, being impressed by the promise of his status and wealth.


• Alan Campbell - once a good friend of Dorian, he ended their friendship when Dorian's reputation began to come into question.


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