A character model is moved and fights as an individual piece, except that he may also join up with and fight alongside units of troops as described below.
When a character moves he must take into account any penalties for crossing terrain and obstacles as normal, but because he is not part of a larger formation he does not have to change direction by turning or wheeling he can change direction freely as he moves. So, a character can move a fraction of his movement distance, head off in another direction, move a little more, change direction again, and so on.

Note that a character's freedom to move doesn't mean he can shoot at or charge an enemy he cannot see. He must still be able to see his enemy when charges are declared. Similarly, he cannot dash round the side of a unit to charge in the rear if he begins his move in front of it.