Definition of character study
1 : analysis or portrayal in literature of the traits of character of an individual
2a : a brief narrative or sketch devoted primarily to character study
b : a realistic portrait in one of the plastic arts or in photography typically of an anonymous sitter whose face or figure reveals strong personality or character traits
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share character study
Time Traveler for character study
The first known use of character study was in 1841
See more words from the same year