Discussion 5: Plot

 In the Picture of Dorian Gray the plot is driven by Dorian's realization that his portrait is harmed when he sins,  and not he himself. Dorian was led to this insight after he forges a friendship with Lord Henry. With Lord Henry's influence and his portrait's power Dorian changed, and became evil and cruel.  However before this realization Dorian was a virtuous and kind hearted man. For instance, before Dorian brutally stabbed Basil to death, he said, "Each of us has heaven and hell in him..." which was completely out of character for the former Dorian who loved strolling in the garden (Wilde 169).