A novel's whole pattern is rarely apparent at the outset of writing, or even at the end; that is when the writer finds out what a novel is about, and the job becomes one of understanding and deepening or sharpening what is already written. That is finding the theme.
“We were sent to this country by the President, who desires to promote the welfare of Japan, and are quite different from the ambassadors of other countries.”
“No man ever became great or good except through many and great mistakes.”