Basil Hallward is another very important character in The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Basil is described as having a rugged, strong face and coal-black hair. (Wilde, page 5, paragraph 2). Basil is not a main character in the book but still plays an important role in the story. He is an artist whose inspiration comes from none other than Dorian Gray. He has a strange idolatry for Dorian and is very protective and defensive of him. He is also concerned for his soul and the people who influence him. Basil has painted Dorian many times such as: an ancient soldier and another times figures of mythology, but it is when he draws Dorian as himself that starts the commotion. It's Basil Hallward's painting that ignites the flame in Dorian leading him to unknowing trade his soul for eternal youth and beauty. This completely changes Dorian and turns him away from his friend Basil, yet Basil continues to stay committed to him. Basil's love for Dorian, however, turns fatal. When Basil was on his way to the train to leave for Paris, after searching for Dorian the entire night to confront him about the terrible charges he's heard, he runs into him. Dorian welcomes him into his home to explain himself. When Basil physically sees the truth of Dorian's soul, he is at first horrified, but then hopes to save his soul with a prayer. Dorian, in the heat of the moment, is filled with extreme hatred for Basil and without thinking, murders him.
Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.
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