It is a philosophical novel with Gothic horror elements, exploring themes of beauty, morality, hedonism, and corruption.

The story centers on Dorian Gray, a stunningly beautiful young man whose portrait is painted by his admirer, Basil Hallward. Under the influence of the cynical Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian becomes obsessed with his own youth and beauty, and wishes that the portrait would age and bear the marks of his sins instead of himself. His wish is granted, and as Dorian embarks on a life of unchecked pleasure and moral depravity, he remains eternally youthful and handsome, while his hidden portrait grotesquely reflects every act of cruelty, vice, and decay.