What's in a Name?

The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, has an interesting title, as it can be considered longer than the typical book title, but it also directs attention to a specific item. Immediately, the author points out an essential character to the plot with the name "Dorian Gray". Whether this is the protagonist, a character with incredible meaning to the protagonist, or an important figure of power in the novel is unclear, but this is certainly an important character. The fact that the novel appears to be based off of a picture of the person also emphasizes their importance. If merely a picture, or drawing, or painting of the person holds that much importance, the person must be supreme. It appears more often that the title is not named after the protagonist, as seen with A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving, but it does occur, as in Shakespeare's plays, like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet", thus I will not assume the significance of this character. This character must be either rich or famous, though, as the novel is set in the 19th century, before the camera's popularity soared. Secondly, if the picture is in fact a painting, he would have had to pay someone to paint it, unless he is famous and the person volunteered. Either way, whether affording this luxury or being important enough to be granted it, the character's prosperity is demonstrated.
The word "The" points out the individuality of the picture. This is one picture of Dorian, and whether it is copied or not, the picture is specific. There may be certain characteristics or symbols within the picture that are meaningful. Nonetheless, the picture is specific and the protagonist would know if a different picture is shown to him. The word "picture" suggests it was taken by camera, but it could be a painting, mural, or any other work of art. If it was a photograph, though, it could be taken at a specific time that is important to the protagonist, perhaps before a tragedy, possibly involving Dorian. A painting or mural is more staged, as one may choose a photograph to use or will pose for a long duration of time. In this case, there is more emphasis placed on the painting rather than the moment, and as the novel seems to revolve around the picture, this possibility can not be ruled out. The name Dorian derives from a "legendary Greek hero". This also suggests the importance of Dorian as a possible famous, powerful figure. The last name "Gray" could suggest a dullness in character, as gray is typically a dull color, between black and white. Perhaps the character has trouble making an important decision, and is stuck in the "gray-area" throughout the plot, not leaning one way or another.
This title proposes many interesting possibilities, and it should be fun to see how the plot develops, and if my "predictions" were even close. I am excited to read about the story of Dorian Gray and his importance to others.