The Picture of Dorian Gray: Characters

Dorian Gray

• A wealthy and strikingly handsome young man, deeply influenced by Lord Henry Wotton.
• Obsessed with beauty and pleasure, he seeks a life of experiences regardless of morality.
• Basil Hallward creates a portrait of him which becomes a significant symbol of his life choices.

Lord Henry Wotton

• A nobleman and influential friend of Basil; characterized by his wit and epigrams.
• Advocates for a hedonistic lifestyle, promoting the pursuit of sensual experiences over moral considerations.
• Plays a crucial role in shaping Dorian's hedonistic outlook and decisions.

Basil Hallward

• An artist who becomes infatuated with Dorian's beauty after their first encounter.
• Believes that Dorian's beauty inspires a new artistic vision, culminating in his masterpiece portrait.
• Represents the complex relationship between art and admiration in Dorian's life.

Sibyl Vane

• A talented but impoverished actress who captures Dorian's heart.
• Her love for Dorian ultimately undermines her acting, as she grapples with genuine emotion versus staged performances.

James Vane

• Sibyl's protective brother, concerned about her romantic involvement with Dorian.
• Distrusts their mother's intentions, linking her interest in Dorian's wealth to a risk for Sibyl.

Mrs. Vane

• Mother of Sibyl and James, a faded actress associated with a struggling theater company.
• Views Dorian as an advantageous match for Sibyl due to his fortune but fails to prioritize Sibyl's well-being.

Alan Campell

• Once a close friend of Dorian, he distances himself due to Dorian's tarnished reputation.

Lord Femor

• Uncle of Lord Henry, who provides information about Dorian's lineage.

Duchess of Monmouth

• A bored noblewoman who flirts with Dorian at his country estate, showcasing Dorian's charm and social interactions.

Victoria Wotton

• The wife of Lord Henry, described as romantic and somewhat disorganized, who makes a brief appearance in the narrative.

Victor

• Dorian’s loyal servant who becomes a target of Dorian’s paranoia regarding the privacy of his portrait.

Mrs. Leaf

• Dorian's dedicated housekeeper, responsible for maintaining the household and attending to Dorian’s needs.

Lady Agatha

• Lord Henry’s aunt, known for hosting social gatherings such as luncheons involving prominent characters like Dorian.

Lady Brandon

• Introduced Basil Hallward to Dorian at a party, facilitating their fateful connection.

Sir Geoffrey Clouston

• Related to the Duchess of Monmouth, he plays a significant role in a shooting incident at Dorian's estate, adding to the intrigue of Dorian's lifestyle.

Margaret Devereux

• Dorian's late mother, whose legacy and background are discussed by Lord Fermor, shedding light on Dorian's origins.

Adrian Singleton

• A former acquaintance of Dorian who has suffered from their past association, illustrating the destructive consequences of Dorian’s lifestyle. He is found in a state of addiction.