Dorian Gray wishes he could stay young forever while his portrait grows old, offering his soul in exchange.
The episode begins in Basil Hallward's London studio, where he shows his portrait of Dorian Gray to his friend Lord Henry Wotton. Basil refuses to exhibit the painting, fearing he put too much of himself into it and that Dorian's beauty is destructive. Lord Henry is intrigued and meets Dorian when he visits the studio. Lord Henry immediately begins influencing Dorian with his hedonistic views, telling him to seize youth and beauty before they fade. Dorian becomes obsessed with his own beauty after seeing the finished portrait and wishes he could stay young forever while the painting ages, even offering his soul. Basil worries about Lord Henry's corrupting influence but cannot stop it. In chapter 3, Lord Henry visits his uncle George to learn about Dorian's background. He discovers Dorian's mother, Lady Margaret Devereux, died young after a scandalous marriage to a penniless army corporal who was killed in a duel possibly arranged by her father Lord Kelso. Dorian inherits wealth from this tragic lineage. In chapter 4, Dorian tells Lord Henry he has fallen in love with actress Sybil Vane, whom he met at a third-rate theatre. Dorian calls himself 'Prince Charming' to her and plans to make her a star. Lord Henry realizes his own influence on Dorian's romantic nature. The episode ends with Dorian sending a telegram announcing his engagement to Sybil Vane.
