***Possible Spoiler Alert**** Some wide ranging responses here regarding Free will - what is it, and how much of it exists in WOT. However, I will keep my response very narrow. Ultimately, there really isn't true free will in the series. My evidence for that assessment is Rand's visit to Ebou Dar in TGS. He attempted to destroy the Seachan fleet but was unable to channel. He was physically sick at the attempt. The pattern wanted him to bow before the Crystal Throne to fulfill the prophecies, not destroy them. If that doesn't answer the question, at least for the main character, not sure what will.