I think that a character-driven story is fine because centering on the characters can inflict plots to which readers can relate. If it doesn't work sometimes, try to see the character you're centering on; he might not be the best character or lacks some qualities to be a central one.
On changing a lot? Try to jot down everything first. Write your possible choices from where to continue next on the story, then write what happens next to each of them. With it, you can see what choice is more plausible and more effective instead of just writing what appears in mind and grope in the dark.
Hope this helps! Good luck
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There's nothing wrong with a character driven novel, and in my experience they actually turn out good ( ie, Pride and Prejudice). However, it's also great if a novel has a great balance of plot drive, and character drive.
So, with my latest novel, I let the characters write the first draft. It was completely character driven at first, I saw the characters, wrote background stories for each of them, found their personality and appearance and all their likes and dislikes and strengths and weaknesses. Then, I let the plot form according to the characters. However, for the first draft I let the characters tell their own story. The catch, it doesn't end with the first draft. Now my challenge it to edit, edit, edit. Now, instead of focusing on the characters, I'm making them stand in the corner and shut up. For the second draft, I look at the plot and change the original story to make a good plot. Then I can look back at the whole picture and see how setting fits in and how the three parts all fit together. However, my advice, if the characters want to write their own story, let them. Then go back and edit until your plot works as well.
A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity. -Kafka
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