I don't know how others writers but I start with a general story and build a character. I let the character do what they want. I dislike super characters. I don't want the smartest, strongest, richest, best looking character in the universe. I don't want to develop super villains for the protagonist to fight.
Ree'al needed to be kicked in the nuts. Darsonus needed to make way for a new character that I won't kill off.
I'm sure that the score will drop a full point but the story needed it. - nova