Hi, Mrs. Lloyd -- you are right about both issues. A large number of characters can be very time-consuming to chart, and a character that only shows up for one line at a party may not be worth it. This is, of course, a judgement call, because the important thing is to write, not to chart, and it sounds like you are doing that (sixth novel, I am impressed!). My take is first, do this exercise at the second draft stage, and second, don't overdo it. Thanks for the kind words, and keep writing!
Best,
James Preston
PS and I thought I had a lot of cousins at fourteen!

Awesome job! - Kathy

For me each book has started differently. The first was a casual conversation that lived somewhere in my subconscious for years, about how shallow the channel between Catalina and the coast is. The second was also a conversation, but it was two characters walking in and telling me all about their lives. I was the only person who could see them, but it's okay because I take my meds regularly. Heh heh. All kidding aside, in all cases my stories begin with character, someone I care about. I think about the story until I have some idea of how it works, then I use 4" x 6" cards for many of the scenes. So, like you, I am character, then story. Thanks for asking, Sharla. Maybe at some point Writers in the Storm will offer me t he opportunity to explore this in more detail. Oooh, then I will have to articulate my process; not sure about doing that.

I agree. Novels are not written by committee, except one years ago called Naked Came the Stranger, which from all reports was awful. "Too many cooks" is right.

Claire, I'm so glad you like it! Thank you very much. It is interesting to think about actions outside of the storyline, and can reveal new dimensions to your characters -- I almost want to call them "people" because to us they are. I hope the technique works for you, and good luck!

James, I'm totally about the character and usually don't even think about plot points until the 3rd chapter. At that point, I know my characters well and it's easier to understand how they will maneuver toward my intended ending. Then, after chapter 5, I sit down for a few days and outline the rest of the book. It sometimes changes a but the logic of what has to happen doesn't. I look forward to hearing how you go about this.

I wouldn't discount it. Especially considering how logic varies from one person, or character, to the next and how that logic processes the pieces of a puzzle into the final picture differently.

The risk of a "too many cooks in the kitchen" scenario leading to the very point of intrigue in the novel becoming convoluted would be high.