The story centers on Dorian Gray, a handsome young man whose portrait, painted by the artist Basil Hallward, begins to age while he remains eternally youthful. Influenced by the decadent philosophy of Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian embarks on a life of indulgence, pursuing pleasure without regard for the consequences. As he engages in increasingly immoral and corrupt actions, the portrait grows more grotesque, reflecting the degradation of his soul, while Dorian himself maintains his youthful appearance. Wilde’s novel examines the tension between outward appearances and inner corruption, making it a dark and thought-provoking exploration of vanity, guilt, and the pursuit of pleasure.