Wilde's Description of Dorian Gray:

Dorian is young, reckless, handsome and wealthy

Dorian described as having curly blonde hair, blue eyes, and delicate features

Dorian wishes to remain young forever because Lord Henry convinces him to value appearance and pleasure

Dorian's portrait reflects his soul: As Dorian becomes more corrupt, Basil's painting of him becomes more twisted and ugly.

London: The Setting

London is important because East and West London parallel Dorian's double-life and divided moral character.

In West London, Dorian maintains his reputation by attending parties, operas, and gentleman's clubs.

In East London, Dorian secretly indulges in a seedy lifestyle of opium dens, brothels, and bars.

Dorian, like London, has a two sides because he maintains a reputable appearance (in the West) while indulging in pleasure and corruption (in the East).

The anonymity of the city allows Dorian to move between West and East London virtually undetected.