I never used to understand how fiction writers would say that they write and see where the characters take them . Though I do not write fiction the more I write the more I understand what they mean. I start out with an idea for a post and as I start to put my thoughts together I see what the points I have to make are and after editing I realize that my post may have a different theme than I had originally intended. Funny how that happens.
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As an important secondary character in a poorly known fantasy trilogy that you real should buy and read I can tell you how it happens. The characters start out as two-dimensional with backgrounds and personality but not much more. It's when they interact with the story but more importantly when we interact with each other that the depth comes and we take on a life of our own that then influences the story.
Stephen King has a book called, On Writing, where he gives very good insights into, oddly enough, good writing. He hates outline plot and prefers to let the story create itself and move the writer!
pp. 160-1 "...pull them in and keep them turning pages. This happens...when readers recognize the people in the book, their behaviors, their surroundings, and their talk. When the reader hears strong echoes of his or her own life and beliefs, he or she is more apt to become invested in the story. I'd argue that it's impossible to make this sort of connection in a premeditated way...
...there's a difference between lecturing about what you know and using it to enrich the story. The latter is good. the former is not."
pp.164-5 "The situation come first. The characters...next ....I begin to narrate. I often have an idea what the outcome may be, but I have never demanded ...they do things my way. On the contrary, I want them to do things their way."
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