In London, England, the well-known artist Basil Hallward becomes obsessed with the beauty of a wealthy young gentleman, Dorian Gray. He paints Dorian's portrait, and introduces him to Lord Henry Wotton, a clever nobleman who enjoys embracing the sensibilities of his friends by advocating selfishness, praising youth and beauty, and celebrating the pursuit of pleasure. Dorian, captivated with Lord Henry's ideas, looks at his beautiful portrait and wishes impulsively that its image would grow old, while he remains ever young.
             Lord Henry's influence over Dorian grows immensely, meanwhile, Dorian has fallen in love with Sibyl Vane, a young actress who performs in a theater in London's slums. He adores her acting; she, in turn, refers to him as "Prince Charming," despite the fears of her brother, that he will break her heart. Caught up in her love for Dorian, Sibyl loses her ability to act, and his love for her vanishes. He ignores her cruelly, and that night, he looks at his portrait and notices that a faint glare has appeared on the painted face. Frightened, he resolves to make amends with Sibyl the next day but he receives the news that she has killed herself. Under Lord Henry's influence, Dorian decides to put the matter behind him. Meanwhile, he hides the painting in a spare room, which he keeps locked.
             Lord Henry gives Dorian a book, detailing the wicked tricks of a nineteenth century Frenchman, that becomes Dorian's bible as he sinks ever deeper into a life of sin and corruption. Eighteen years pass, and the painting grows ever more wizened and hideous, while Dorian himself remains young and handsome. Finally, he commits his greatest crime: he murders Basil Hallward, and blackmails one of his friends into helping him dispose of the body.
             The night after the murder, Dorian makes his way to an opium den, where he encounters James Vane, Sibyl's brother, who tries to avenge his sister's death by killing him. Dorian escapes, and go...