The Picture of Dorian Gray · Character

Basil Hallward

A painter who pours his whole soul into one portrait and then watches, helpless, as the subject walks away with it.

major

Also known as Basil, Hallward, poor Basil

First appearance: The Picture of Dorian Gray

As a major figure in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Basil Hallward is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The artist who paints Dorian's portrait and becomes infatuated with his subject.

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Basil is the artist whose devotion to Dorian's beauty produces the painting at the heart of the book. He worships Dorian with a reverence he can barely admit aloud, and he fears the world will see too much of himself in the finished work. When Dorian forbids him to look at his own canvas, Basil's bewilderment marks the first crack in their bond — and the first sign that the portrait has become something other than art.

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Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Basil Hallward sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Social
Other

Character groups

Dorian's social circle
Background society figures
Dorian's dark associates
Protagonist

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because Dorian experiences a rare moment of genuine self-awareness and lon…

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Relationships

Dorian Gray
psychological · ambivalent
Basil is obsessively devoted to Dorian, both as an artistic muse and as a friend, but… How this plays out →
Lord Henry Wotton
rivalry · negative
Lady Narborough
social · ambivalent
Sibyl Vane
social · ambivalent
Dorian Gray
psychological · ambivalent
Basil is obsessively devoted to Dorian, both as an artistic muse and as a friend, but… How this plays out →
Lord Henry Wotton
rivalry · negative
Dorian Gray
psychological · ambivalent
Basil is obsessively devoted to Dorian, both as an artistic muse and as a friend, but… How this plays out →
Lord Henry Wotton
rivalry · negative
Lady Narborough
social · ambivalent
Lady Narborough
social · ambivalent
Sibyl Vane
social · ambivalent
Sibyl Vane
social · ambivalent

Dorian Gray
Basil is obsessively devoted to Dorian, both as an artistic muse and as a friend, but Dorian's cruelty ultimately destroys him.
Lord Henry Wotton
Basil disapproves of Lord Henry's corrupting influence on Dorian, creating a tense ideological conflict between them.
Lady Narborough
They move in the same aristocratic circles, but Basil is less enamored with her superficial world than Lord Henry.
Sibyl Vane
Basil meets Sibyl briefly and recognizes her talent, but his concern is primarily for Dorian's moral well-being.
Dorian Gray
Basil is obsessively devoted to Dorian, both as an artistic muse and as a friend, but Dorian's cruelty ultimately destroys him.
Lord Henry Wotton
Basil disapproves of Lord Henry's corrupting influence on Dorian, creating a tense ideological conflict between them.
Dorian Gray
Basil is obsessively devoted to Dorian, both as an artistic muse and as a friend, but Dorian's cruelty ultimately destroys him.
Lord Henry Wotton
Basil disapproves of Lord Henry's corrupting influence on Dorian, creating a tense ideological conflict between them.
Lady Narborough
They move in the same aristocratic circles, but Basil is less enamored with her superficial world than Lord Henry.
Lady Narborough
They move in the same aristocratic circles, but Basil is less enamored with her superficial world than Lord Henry.
Sibyl Vane
Basil meets Sibyl briefly and recognizes her talent, but his concern is primarily for Dorian's moral well-being.
Sibyl Vane
Basil meets Sibyl briefly and recognizes her talent, but his concern is primarily for Dorian's moral well-being.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Basil Hallward appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Picture of Dorian Gray
The artist who paints Dorian's portrait and becomes infatuated with his subject.
I
Confesses his artistic idolatry of Dorian Gray and his fear of revealing his soul through the portrait.
Chapter II
Finishes the portrait and is disturbed by Dorian's sudden change in demeanor; tries to protect Dorian from Lord Henry's influence.
IV
Basil is mentioned as having sent Dorian the portrait in a special frame. Dorian finds Basil's good advice annoying and considers him a bit of a Philistine.
Chapter VI
Shocked and disapproving of Dorian's engagement, worries about Dorian's future and feels a sense of loss.
VII
Basil defends Sibyl's worth and supports Dorian's marriage, contrasting with Lord Henry's cynicism.
Chapter IX
Confesses his deep admiration and idolatry for Dorian, is denied access to his own painting, and is shocked by Dorian's vehement reaction.
The Hiding of the Portrait
Referenced as the painter of the portrait; Dorian recalls Basil's reproaches about Sibyl Vane.
Chapter XI
His portrait of Dorian is the object of Dorian's secret visits; Dorian recalls that Basil was fascinated by his beauty.
XII
Confronts Dorian about the scandals surrounding him, seeking answers.
Chapter XIII
Confronts Dorian about the portrait, is horrified by its corruption, and is murdered by Dorian.
XIV
The murdered artist; his body remains in the locked room, and his presence looms over the chapter.
Chapter XV
Referenced indirectly through Dorian's burning of his coat and bag.
Chapter XVI
Dorian's memory of Basil's eyes haunts him, recalling Basil's accusations.
Chapter XIX
Referenced in passing as the subject of ongoing town gossip about his disappearance.
Chapter XX
Dorian thinks of Basil's murder and the portrait Basil painted, which he blames for his ruin.

Chapter companion notes

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