Writing a novel is a journey into the unknown, even for the author. While I may map out intricate plotlines, draft meticulous character arcs, and build sprawling worlds teeming with small details, there's always a moment—sometimes quiet, sometimes seismic—when the characters take control. They seize the reins of the story, tugging it in directions I hadn’t anticipated, crafting twists and turns that even I didn’t see coming.
At first, this can be unsettling. After all, I’m the creator, right? Aren’t I supposed to know where the story is going? But I’ve learned to lean into these moments bubbling up from my subconscious, because often, they lead to some of the most authentic and exciting developments in my work.
The Characters Know Best
One of the first times this happened was early in my writing journey. I had carefully plotted a scene in which a protagonist would walk away from a relationship, choosing to spare themselves the agony of goodbye, and regroup for another day. But as I wrote, something strange happened. The character refused to go off without warning. It was as if they stood up in my mind and said, “No. This is where I make my stand.”
I was reluctant at first—after all, that wasn’t the plan! But the doubt was there, as I asked myself okay, what's going to happen now? But as the words emerged on the page, it became clear that this was exactly the choice the character would make. It felt right in a way I hadn’t expected, and it reshaped not only the scene but the entire trajectory of the story. That’s when I realized: sometimes, the characters (and my inner intuition) know best.
When Backstories Speak Louder
In Merchant of Vision, one of the characters surprised me with their depth and nuance. Originally, they were meant to be a secondary figure, a quiet supporter who stayed in the background. But as I wrote, their backstory began to emerge—a painful, complicated history of betrayal and redemption that demanded attention.
Before I knew it, they had carved out a larger role in the narrative, stepping into the spotlight and adding layers to the plot I hadn’t planned. It wasn’t easy to accommodate these changes—some scenes had to be rewritten, and other characters’ arcs adjusted—but the story grew richer for it.
Plot Twists That Wrote Themselves
Then there are the moments when characters create plot twists that are as surprising to me as they are to readers. One memorable example involved a key character that alliance that shattered unexpectedly. I had intended for two characters to work together, united by a shared goal, but their personalities clashed so dramatically that their partnership became untenable. Their betrayal of one another wasn’t part of the original outline—it came purely from their interactions on the page.
That twist added an emotional depth and complexity to the story that I could never have planned. It reminded me that, no matter how much I prepare, the story isn’t just mine. It belongs to the characters, too.
Embracing the Chaos
These surprises are what make writing so exhilarating. Sure, it’s frustrating to see your carefully laid plans tossed aside. But it’s also a gift. When characters act in ways that feel natural and true, it breathes life into the story. It makes the world more dynamic and the plot more compelling.
These moments of unexpected growth and action remind me why I write in the first place: to explore the unknown, to uncover the truth of these fictional lives, and to share those discoveries with readers.
So, when the characters take control, I let them. I follow where they lead, even if it means rewriting a scene or rethinking an arc. Because in the end, those surprises are what make the story come alive.
Do your characters ever surprise you when you’re reading or writing? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Let’s celebrate those unexpected moments together.
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