The Picture of Dorian Gray: Plot Summary

1. The story begins in painter Basil Hallward's studio, where he is entertaining his philosophical friend, Lord Henry Wotton.
2. Basil tells Henry he is working on his finest portrait ever, depicting a beautiful youth named Dorian Gray, who has greatly influenced him.
3. Basil refuses to exhibit the portrait, fearing it reveals his secret passion for Dorian.
4. Intrigued, Henry wants to meet Dorian, and as fate would have it, Dorian arrives at the studio before Basil can remove Henry.
5. Basil warns Henry not to harm Dorian, expressing his serious and protective feelings towards him.
6. Henry's philosophical ideas about hedonism and aesthetics captivate Dorian.
7. Basil finishes the portrait, and it is agreed that it is his best work.
8. Dorian, terrified by Henry's warnings about ageing, wishes to trade places with the portrait, remaining young while the painting ages.
9. Despite Basil's offer to destroy the portrait and Henry's offer to keep it, Dorian decides he must have it.
10. Influenced by Henry, Dorian begins to seek new experiences and explores the seedy parts of London.

11. He falls in love with Sybil Vane, a young actress in a shabby theatre, who embodies Shakespeare's heroines.
12. Sybil's brother, Jim Vane, disapproves and warns their mother to protect Sybil, but Sybil is determined to marry her "Prince Charming."
13. Sybil's love for Dorian makes her act lifeless, and Dorian, heartbroken, calls off their engagement.
14. Returning home, Dorian notices a cruel expression on the portrait, realizing his wish may have come true.
15. Dorian pledges to make it up to Sybil, but she kills herself before he can.

16. Haunted by the portrait, Dorian hides it in the top room of his house but continues to live a life of decadence influenced by Henry's theories.
17. Dorian's reputation suffers, but he remains charming and wealthy, still welcomed in high society.
18. When Basil confronts him about the rumours, Dorian reveals the portrait and, enraged by Basil's reaction, stabs and kills him.
19. Dorian blackmails Alan Campbell to dispose of Basil's body and seeks to forget his actions in opium dens.
20. Jim Vane, seeking revenge for his sister's death, attacks Dorian, but his youthful appearance saves him.
21. Haunted by Jim's image, Dorian goes to the country with friends, where a hunting accident kills Jim, ensuring Dorian's crimes remain hidden.
22. Dorian vows to become good but refuses to turn himself in; the portrait reveals his hypocrisy.
23. In a fit of rage, Dorian stabs the portrait, causing a terrible cry.
24. Servants find Dorian dead on the floor, old and hideous, while the portrait is restored to its original, beautiful state.