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Dictionary.com defines "character study" as follows:
noun
a work of fiction in which the delineation of the central character's personality is more important than the plot
I like this definition because it makes sense to me. When I read, like many readers, I have to care about the protagonist(s). If I don't, the novel is a bust instantly. Although the plot might be good, sound, worth composing a story around, it fails if I can't find a way to engage with the hero or heroine. And usually, I'll give it a gallant effort because my number one priority when I select a book to read is to enjoy it. Characters are the first criteria for making a good story take hold.
I'm a little off the wall (maybe a lot) when it comes to my genre writing. You've no doubt noticed how I repeat I write "love stories" as opposed to "romances". My novels tend to operate around the characters from the inside out giving the reader a chance to view life from their perspective, to either relate to them or to estrange themselves from them, to embrace them or to be repelled by them.
My latest novel recently finished (Race), although different from anything I've attempted prior to it, is still similar to who I am as a writer. The characters are there to take up the pages, laid bare in their "personalities", the changes they experience emotionally and spiritually available for the reader to give a thumbs up or thumbs down in their assessments.
"Character study" is not a genre unfortunately or I could easily typecast my novels. Until it is, I will continue to fumble around with identifying or determining just what genre this particular novel can comfortably slide into – because I don't know how to effectively categorize it.
Other than calling it another "character study" . . .
Father, help me to be the one you want me to be, in life, in writing, in worshiping you in spirit and in truth. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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