Whether to include character name cheat sheet

[Karen]

As I approach CreateSpace proof #4 of my SF novel, I'm wondering whether to drop the Preface. The Preface is a list of characters, divided into three groups: Major Characters, Recurring Secondary Characters and Characters of Temporary Importance. I included the list because I have quite a few "background" characters who are mentioned once or twice, and also quite a few who recur but are not the main characters. In the introductory paragraph, I urge the reader to plunge into the book and use the list only if they're confused. The descriptions are cryptic so as to reduce spoilers -- but just identifying the characters as fitting one of these categories is a spoiler of sorts. Thoughts?

Karen A. Wyle
www.karenawyle.net

[Clare K. R.]

Hmm, normally I'm a fan of character lists (and all the sorts of things that go into the beginnings of books to help you understand the world) but that one doesn't sound very useful, especially if you're calling it a preface (I suppose it qualifies as one in that it's an introduction to the characters, but it's not what I would expect if I read "Preface"). I wouldn't expect background characters appearing in a book to confuse readers--it's more unusual to have only important characters. And if your readers are confused, I don't see how finding out how important the character is in the book would help them become less confused.

[Editio]

I would go into the book store and look at how the author of Game of Thrones does his.George R.R. Martin

[Keryl]

Good comment about Martin. Yeah, I wouldn't call it a preface, or really give much explanation with it, beyond titling it, cast of characters. Your readers are smart enough to figure out what it is and why it's there.

The thing I'd worry about is you're listing characters you're mentioning once or twice. This list sounds gigantic, and may put people off.

The reason to list them is to avoid confusion. But, if you're doing your job properly, there should be enough context to the story that you don't need: Bob, a Janitor, to show up on the list. If he's there in the background cleaning away and you need to mention him for some reason, then just tell us he's the janitor and then never mention him again.

If you're thinking more like: Leonold Seventh King of Welpsham, whom everyone in your world knows, and will be mentioned a few times in passing, but never appears in the story, then just build in a bit of dialog/exposition to explain him.

Put the major and secondary characters that are important to the plot on your cast of characters. If you still think it's confusing then add an appendix at the end with whatever else might come in handy.

[Teresa]

I have a character list at the beginning of one of my books but I called it a Dramatis Personae. It's what they used to call that sort of thing at the beginning of old books or old plays. I think it adds a nice old-fashioned touch, if it's appropriate to the book in question.