Basil Harwood is a talented and celebrated painter in Dorian Gray. He is a close friend of Lord Henry Wotton but does not share his negative or outlandish views of the world.Basil first sees Dorian whilst Gray performs a piano piece. He sketches a picture of Dorian on the back of a programme and quickly forms a friendship with the young man.Harwood is in awe of Grays beauty and is determined to create the perfect picture for him. After many hours on many different days, Basil finally creates a painting that he feels is perfect and presents it as a gift to Gray.SPOILERS AHEAD:Basil and Gray begin to drift apart as the story continues. He is greatly hurt and confused by Dorians hiding of the painting and unwillingness to show to anyone what Basil believes is his best work.It is implied that Basil is in love with Gray and clearly has a growing concern over Lord Henrys influence on his friend. As Grays life becomes ever more extreme, Basil is the first to show real concern and also the first to see Dorians painting after it has begun to change. He is brutally and callously murdered by Gray just before Harwood was to leave for Paris, France. Unlike in the book, friends are aware of Harwoods death. His name is dirtied by a police investigation into his murder. In the book, however, it is assumed he successfully made his trip to Paris and his lack of return poses a mystery to friends back home.