Writing Forum

I was going to suggest The Martian (book, not movie), because the world pretty much takes a back seat, on the whole only providing the base-line Watney never wants to achieve. However, Watney doesn't develop much.

You could try Three Body Problem, by Cixin Liu. I'm not sure the main POV character evolves, but certainly the other main character does (it's hard to say whether she's an antagonist or not, although she is for much of the story. TBP is like that). It's also one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read, not to mention astonishing, and the ending will blow your mind.

You could also try Gateway by Frederik Pohl. This is a classic, and when you read it you'll realise why. Definitely character driven and definitely about character evolution. The simplicity of the plot makes it all the more beguiling, and allows the reader to concentrate on the various characters and the precarious predicament they've put themselves in. It's a work of genius.