character study

American  

noun

1. a work of fiction in which the delineation of the central character's personality is more important than the plot.

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Example Sentences

Ms. Peet’s vivid blue eyes remain a major asset in “Fantasy Life,” an unforced character study that wryly observes some mild turbulence in the day-to-day existence of a group of mixed-up New Yorkers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

He stars in Blue Moon - a character study of Lorenz Hart, a formerly successful songwriter struggling with the huge hit his former partner Richard Rogers is having with the musical Oklahoma!

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

The three-time Oscar winner behind “Terms of Endearment” and “Broadcast News” is back with his first film in 15 years, the richly warm character study “Ella McCay.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

Together, the two craft a self-aware, though no less banal, character study, examining the life of an artist who’s too famous to get off the ride — or perhaps, just too damn charming.

From Salon • Oct. 2, 2025

The subtle character study of two sisters, Anna and Annabel, is masterly.

From A Woman's Will by Caliga, I. H. (Isaac Henry)