Writing should not be like walking a vicious dog.
Setting aside for a moment the issue of how to properly use a lease, let's consider this metaphor: You don't need to yank on your character's leash and try to force them to walk where you want them to walk or be who you decided during prewriting that you wanted them to be.
When you write, your characters come to life. Allow them to grow and change, to become 3D and show their complexities. Don't yank on them like a puppeteer, even if it takes your novel somewhere you didn't expect.
You may find, in fact, it takes your story somewhere better.
Many authors have discussed this process, including J.K. Rowling and Stephen King. So just trust in the process.
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