In the opening chapters of The Picture of Dorian Gray, we are introduced to the three most main characters in the story: Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Watton, and Basil Howard. Your job is to describe characteristics of each character as we are introduced to them. List at least four characteristics per character. Bullet Points are fine.

Answer 1

Certainly! Here are the characteristics of Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Wotton, and Basil Hallward as introduced in the opening chapters of The Picture of Dorian Gray:

Dorian Gray

• Innocent and Naïve: Dorian is depicted as a young man with an almost childlike innocence, unaware of the world’s intricacies and moral complexities.
• Attractive: He possesses a striking physical beauty that captivates those around him, making him the object of admiration.
• Gullible: Dorian is easily influenced by others, particularly by Lord Henry, showcasing a tendency to absorb the views and opinions of more experienced individuals.
• Curious: His sense of wonder and curiosity about life and art is evident, as he is intrigued by Basil's painting and the ideas discussed around him.

Lord Henry Wotton

• Charismatic and Persuasive: Lord Henry has a magnetic personality and possesses the ability to influence and manipulate others with his eloquent speech and wit.
• Aesthetic and Hedonistic: He advocates for a life devoted to beauty and pleasure, often dismissing conventional morality in favor of personal satisfaction.
• Provocative: He enjoys challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries, often speaking in a way that provokes thought and debate.
• Cynical and Jaded: Lord Henry displays a disillusioned view of life, suggesting a deeper understanding of human nature that leads him to embrace a more nihilistic outlook.

Basil Hallward

• Artistic and Sensitive: Basil is deeply passionate about art and has a profound emotional sensitivity, especially in relation to his work and his feelings toward Dorian.
• Admirer of Beauty: He is captivated by Dorian's beauty and is driven to capture it in his art, indicating a reverence for aestheticism.
• Protective: Basil shows a tendency to be protective of Dorian, expressing concern about the influences that others may have on him, particularly Lord Henry.
• Moral Compass: Basil often serves as a voice of morality throughout the early chapters, valuing integrity and the purity of artistic expression, contrasting with Lord Henry's views.

These characteristics set the stage for the complex relationships and themes that develop throughout the novel.