How is the story 'The Death of a Government Clerk' a sharp study of character? Support your answer citing examples from the story.

In Tchervyakov's character, we see a man who lives to please. He is a hard worker, there is 'a no less fine' government clerk, he is conscientious, well-mannered, and he wants everyone to like him. As readers, we sympathize with Tchervyakov, and we even sympathize sympathize with his consisten efforts to apologize to the superior he accidently spits on while sneezing, but we can also understand Brizzhalov's desire to simply do what he came for...... to listen to the opera. Tchervyakov's continued need to explain himself is actually a need to be recognized, and as an important man, Brizzhalov could have ended the entire episode by saying "no problem". He doesn't, however, and the clerk..... sensitive to his environment and coworker simply can't handle it...... he has a vivid imagination that leaves him worrying about everything. That Tchervyakov goes home to die seems to be an example of both absurdity and hyperbole, sadly, there are those who eventually end their own live in response to rejection.

"He has forgotten, but there is a fiendish light in his eye," thought Tchervyakov, looking suspiciously at the general. "And he doesn't want to talk. I ought to explain to him . . . that I really didn't intend . . . that it is the law of nature or else he will think I meant to spit on him. He doesn't think so now, but he will think so later!"

"He won't speak," thought Tchervyakov, turning pale; "that means that he is angry. . . . No, it can't be left like this. . . . I will explain to him."