James Vane
Sibyl Vane’s younger brother,
sixteen-year-old James, is virtually the opposite of his lively sister. While
Sibyl is delicate, dramatic, and exquisitely beautiful, James is coarse, rough,
and inexpressive. He loves his sister immensely and is fiercely protective of
her well-being. James is doubtful of the depth of Dorian’s emotions for Sibyl,
questioning the sincerity of the seemingly perfect “Prince Charming.” James
despises the theater and hopes to eventually gain enough money to take his
mother and sister off of the stage. As a sailor bound for Australia, James is
reluctant to leave his sister in the care of their mother, whom James considers
to be incapable of properly caring for Sibyl. He believes his mother’s judgment
is clouded by her interest Dorian’s wealth, making her unable to fully protect
her daughter. Out of love for his sister, James vows to kill Dorian if he ever
hurts Sibyl.