Dorian is a wealthy, incredibly handsome young British aristocrat. Initially naive, he possesses an almost supernatural physical beauty that captivates those around him. Under Lord Henry's influence, he adopts a lifestyle dedicated entirely to pleasure and aesthetic beauty, ignoring traditional morality. Early on, he impulsively wishes that his painted portrait would age instead of him, allowing him to retain his youthful perfection indefinitely.

Lord Henry is a highly articulate, provocative aristocrat who delights in scandalous conversation. He openly rejects conventional morality in favor of a personal philosophy that prizes pleasure, youth, and formal beauty above all else. He views observing other people's behavior as an intellectual experiment and takes a particular, predatory interest in shaping Dorian's worldview.

Basil is a relatively successful London painter who finds his ultimate artistic inspiration in Dorian Gray. He is fiercely independent but becomes completely infatuated with Dorian's physical beauty, believing it elevates his art to unprecedented heights. He prefers to keep a low profile and worries deeply about the moral character and reputations of his friends.

Sybil is a seventeen-year-old, penniless actress working in a rundown London theater. She possesses incredible talent for acting and uses the stage to escape her impoverished reality. Her sudden, intense romance with Dorian deeply alters her relationship with her art, causing her to lose interest in theatrical illusions once she experiences true romantic passion.

James is Sybil's older, rough-mannered brother who plans to depart for the colonies in Australia to seek his fortune. He deeply distrusts the wealthy aristocrat courting his sister. He possesses a volatile temper and a fierce sense of familial duty, vowing violence against anyone who hurts Sybil.

Mrs. Vane is an aging, affected actress who struggles constantly with debt. She views her daughter's relationship with a wealthy gentleman as a potential financial rescue for the family. She speaks with dramatic, hollow affectations that annoy her practical son.

Alan is a brilliant chemist and a former close associate of Dorian's. Their previous friendship ended bitterly, leaving Alan with a deep distaste for Dorian. He is a serious, scientific man who wants nothing to do with Dorian's current scandals until he is blackmailed into assisting him.

Adrian is a once-respectable young man whose reputation has been ruined through his association with Dorian. He now spends his time in opium dens, having lost his former friends and his standing in society.

Lady Narborough is a wealthy, older society hostess known for her entertaining dinner parties. She enjoys teasing her guests and considers herself a matchmaking figure in London high society.

Mr. Hubbard is a reputable art framer in London. He is highly deferential to his wealthy clients and assists Dorian with the physical labor of hiding the portrait in a disused room.

Lord Fermor is Lord Henry's uncouth but cheerful old uncle. He possesses extensive knowledge of London society's family histories, past scandals, and inheritances.

Francis is Dorian's manservant who attends to the household during the later years of Dorian's life. He follows orders diligently, fetching supplies and managing visitors at Dorian's request.

Victor is Dorian's initial valet. He manages Dorian's daily routine but becomes an object of intense suspicion as Dorian grows paranoid about his hidden secrets being discovered.

Sir Geoffrey is an aristocrat and the brother of the Duchess of Monmouth. He is a pragmatic, straightforward man who becomes deeply annoyed when his hunting outing is interrupted by an unexpected incident.

Hetty is a young, lovely girl from a lower social class who strongly reminds Dorian of Sybil Vane. She becomes the subject of Dorian's attempt to prove his moral reform, as he intentionally abandons her to spare her from ruin.

Lady Brandon is a shrill, shallow social climber who hosts large gatherings. She forces introductions between her guests, taking credit for bringing notable people together.

The Duchess is a pretty, married aristocratic woman who engages in witty banter and flirtation with Dorian and Lord Henry during country estate gatherings.

Margaret is Dorian's deceased mother. She was an extraordinarily beautiful aristocratic lady who caused a major scandal by eloping with a penniless man of no social standing.

Kelso is Dorian's wealthy, ruthless grandfather. Angered by his daughter's socially unacceptable marriage, he used his wealth to arrange the death of his own son-in-law in a duel.

Mr. Isaacs is a crude, wealthy theater patron who holds technical control over Sybil's acting career. He advances money to the Vane family, keeping them indebted to him.

Lady Henry is Lord Henry Wotton's wife. She appears as an awkward and slightly unpleasant person who shares little genuine connection with her highly intellectual husband.

Aunt Agatha is Lord Henry's wealthy aunt who enjoys hosting notable figures for lunch. Her gatherings serve as a stage for aristocratic gossip and philosophical debates.

Lady Gwendolen is Lord Henry's sister. She enjoyed a completely unsullied name prior to her acquaintance with Dorian, after which she fell into great disrepute.