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.

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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.
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