Here's why:
* Characters are integral to the story: Characters drive the plot, embody themes, and shape the reader's understanding of the world the author has created.
* Character studies illuminate themes and meaning: Examining a character's motivations, relationships, and internal struggles can reveal deeper layers of meaning in the work. For instance, analyzing Hamlet's indecision can shed light on the play's themes of revenge, justice, and the human condition.
* Character studies highlight authorial intent: Analyzing a character can reveal the author's values, beliefs, and social commentary. For example, analyzing the character of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice can illuminate Austen's views on societal expectations and marriage.
However, it's important to remember that:
* Character studies are interpretations: They are subjective and open to different perspectives.
* The focus is on the character, not the work as a whole: A character study is not a comprehensive analysis of a piece of literature.
* The work itself provides context: Character studies should always be informed by the work's overall plot, setting, and other characters.
Therefore, a character study is not "really of the work" in the sense of being its primary focus. It is a tool that can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the work itself by examining its characters.