The Picture of Dorian Gray: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in The Picture of Dorian Gray, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- Dorian GrayDorian Gray is the subject of Basil Hallward’s portrait and inspires his new artistic vision.First seen in chapter 1
- Basil HallwardBasil Hallward is a painter who refuses to exhibit a portrait revealing his private devotion to Dorian.First seen in chapter 1
- Lord HenryLord Henry praises Basil’s portrait and wants him to exhibit it, while Basil fears his influence on Dorian.First seen in chapter 1
- James VaneJames Vane is Sibyl’s protective brother, who distrusts her admirer and is preparing to leave for Australia.First seen in chapter 5
- Alan CampbellAlan Campbell is someone whose address Dorian looks up while considering how to escape suspicion.First seen in chapter 13
- Lady NarboroughLady Narborough hosts a dinner party attended by Dorian and Lord Henry.First seen in chapter 15
- Chapter 1
Basil refuses to exhibit Dorian’s portrait because it reveals too much of his private devotion.
- Chapter 2
Lord Henry’s praise of youth makes Dorian fear aging and wish his portrait could grow old instead.
- Chapter 3
Lord Henry learns about Dorian’s family history and decides to strengthen his influence over him.
- Chapter 4
Dorian tells Lord Henry about Sibyl Vane, and a telegram announces their engagement.
- Chapter 5
Before leaving for Australia, James vows to kill Sibyl’s admirer if he harms her.
- Chapter 6
Dorian tells his friends that Sibyl makes him good and weakens Lord Henry’s influence.
- Chapter 7
Dorian rejects Sibyl after her poor performance, then notices cruelty in his portrait and resolves to marry her.
- Chapter 8
Lord Henry reports Sibyl’s death, and Dorian abandons reform, accepting the portrait’s corruption in exchange for lasting youth.
- Chapter 9
Dorian prevents Basil from seeing the portrait and decides it needs a safer hiding place.
- Chapter 10
Dorian locks the portrait in his old schoolroom and becomes absorbed in a book from Lord Henry.
- Chapter 11
Dorian spends years pursuing unusual sensations while his youthful appearance remains unchanged and his hidden portrait records his corruption.
- Chapter 12
Basil confronts Dorian about damaging rumors, and Dorian offers to show him his soul upstairs.
- Chapter 13
Dorian shows Basil the corrupted portrait, rejects his appeal to pray, and stabs him to death.
- Chapter 14
Dorian uses a written threat to force Alan Campbell to destroy Basil’s body through chemistry.
- Chapter 15
After attending Lady Narborough’s dinner, Dorian burns Basil’s belongings and leaves home at midnight.
- Chapter 16
James threatens Dorian over Sibyl’s death but releases him after being misled by his youthful appearance.
- Chapter 17
While entertaining guests at Selby Royal, Dorian faints after seeing James at the window.
- Chapter 18
A hunting accident kills James, and Dorian feels safe when he discovers the dead stranger’s identity.
- Chapter 19
Dorian tells Lord Henry he wants to reform, but Henry questions his claim that leaving Hetty helps her.
- Chapter 20
Dorian stabs the portrait; servants find it beautiful again and discover his aged, disfigured body dead beneath it.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- The theaterThe theater is the small performance venue where Dorian discovers Sibyl Vane’s acting.First seen in chapter 4
- The locked roomThe locked room is Dorian’s old schoolroom, where he hides his altered portrait from servants and visitors.First seen in chapter 10
- Selby RoyalSelby Royal is where Dorian hosts a gathering with Lord Henry and the Duchess of Monmouth.First seen in chapter 17

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