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Basil Hallward is a fictional character in Oscar Wilde's philosophical novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. The novel can be seen as one with a serious purpose and a sound message to the artist. Basil is a talented artist and a close friend of the character, Dorian Gray. Basil is responsible for painting a portrait of Dorian that captures his youthful and innocent beauty.

Background
Basil is dedicated to his art, and his relationship with Dorian begins when he encounters Dorian as a young man and is immediately struck by his extraordinary beauty. Basil's artistry is fuelled by his admiration for Dorian, whom he sees as a muse and a source of inspiration. He believes that Dorian's beauty is the key to his artistic success. Basil develops a close friendship with Dorian Gray after meeting him through mutual acquaintances. Their relationship evolves into something more complex, with Basil becoming infatuated with Dorian's beauty. He cares deeply for Dorian and is concerned about his well-being, especially as Dorian becomes influenced by the hedonistic views of Lord Henry Wotton.

Involvement in the Novel
Basil's involvement in the story revolves around his infatuation with Dorian's exceptional physical beauty and his artistic desire to capture that beauty on canvas. He sees Dorian as a muse and becomes deeply attached to him. However, as the story progresses, Basil's role becomes more complex.

Dorian Gray, influenced by the hedonistic and amoral philosophy of Lord Henry Wotton, wishes that the portrait would age and bear the consequences of his actions while he himself remains forever young. This wish mysteriously comes true, leading to the picture reflecting Dorian's moral corruption and inner ugliness, while Dorian himself continues to appear young and charming.

As Dorian becomes increasingly involved in a life of debauchery and immoral behaviour, Basil becomes increasingly concerned about the changes he sees in Dorian's character. Basil is horrified when he glimpses the portrait's transformation, revealing Dorian's true nature. However, Dorian is determined to keep his dark secret hidden.

Tragically, Dorian's increasing obsession with his own youth and beauty leads him to commit heinous acts, ultimately resulting in the death of Basil. In a fit of rage and fear that Basil might reveal the truth behind the portrait, Dorian murders him.

Personality
Basil Hallward is a character that is deeply passionate about his craft as an artist and takes his artistic endeavours seriously. He is dedicated to capturing beauty and truth in his paintings and is highly attuned to aesthetic qualities.

Basil is depicted as a gentle and kind individual. He cares about the people in his life, including Dorian Gray. His interactions with others are characterised by his considerate nature and his willingness to help and support those he cares for.

Despite his strong moral compass, Basil is conflicted and vulnerable when it comes to Dorian. His infatuation with Dorian's beauty makes him susceptible to manipulation and blinds him to Dorian's growing moral decline.

Oscar Wilde, the author of the novel, acknowledged his resemblance to Basil in a letter, stating, "Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks me: Dorian what I would like to be". Basil's personality serves as a contrast to the other characters in the novel, particularly Lord Henry Wotton and Dorian Gray. His kindness, idealism, and moral concerns are differential to the hedonism and immorality displayed by the other characters.