Our mystery character appeared in a novel that was published more than 130 years ago but what this character symbolizes is still known and referenced today.

This character is so admired for beauty and grace that their countenance endures in a work of art and that’s really where the story begins.

So taken with this person’s purity and innocence, an artist immortalizes our character as such – even as the character succumbs to the corrupting influence of a confidante.

As the corrosiveness takes hold, the character tumbles ever further into vanity and immorality and yet they succeed in hiding their blackening soul from society.

Until one inalterable clue begins to give this person away.

The novelist who wrote this work was a celebrity, known in his day as a wealthy hedonist and he was vilified in the English and American press for his private life.

But his work – both novels and poetry – is still admired for its sharp social commentary and elegant language.

Do you know who this character and the author is? Email me at kmiller@mpr.org when you figure it out.

— Kerri Miller | MPR News