The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel rife with archetypes, and one of the more verbose stories that I've read in my high school years. The main character, Basil, is static in nature, and exists primarily as a facilitator. He is an artist, and his studio is surrounded by a lush garden (symbol of haven/ refuge). He is the quiet voice of reason, and genuinely cares for his friends. Basil is a perfect blend of the Loyal Retainer, and the outcast. As the story progresses and Dorian's innocence dissipates, so does Basil's connection with the outside world. Prior to his alienation, Basil is extremely loyal and uplifting to Dorian.
The clear candidate for the devil figure archetype in the novel is Lord Henry. He is Basil's friend, but quickly becomes infatuated with Dorian when Basil introduces the two. Dorian's innocence and beauty attracts Lord Henry instantaneously, and before long Dorian becomes his canvas. Throughout the story, Lord Henry uses Dorian as a medium to reflect his own beliefs and tastes, essentially transforming him from an innocent boy to a corrupt man. After recommending a certain book to Dorian, more or less forcing him to read it, the corruption begins. A line he says to Dorian that perfectly summarizes his toxic influence-"I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit.”
Dorian Gray is by far one of the most interesting character developments that I have read about. He is ultimately the Evil figure with a good heart, but displays common archetypes throughout his progression such as the innocent boy, and even the hero in some instances. Dorian is the perfect dynamic character in the worst way; he wishes to never show age and to stay young and beautiful forever, but his core grows rotten, and the portrait that Basil painted for him manifests the changes to his character that he traded for everlasting beauty. (About the picture) "There were opiates for remorse, drugs that could lull the moral sense to sleep. But here was a visible symbol of the degradation of sin. Here was an ever-present sign of the ruin men brought upon their souls."