Character analysis is the study of literary characters in works of fiction or drama in order to better understand their motivations, behaviors, and roles in the story. Researchers typically analyze characters' personalities, relationships with others, and their development throughout the narrative. This field of research can involve examining characters' psychological traits, social context, and how they reflect larger themes in the work. Character analysis can provide insights into the author's intentions, the cultural or historical context of the work, and the ways in which characters contribute to the overall meaning of the text.