Dealing with characters

One of the biggest challenges in writing a series of 8 novels with more than a million words is to keep track of the characters, and the relationships that they have with one another.  In some novels there are just a handful of characters -- but in the Angel Mountain Saga there are more than 200, many of whom play important roles in the narrative as it develops.  They all have their back stories. During the writing process I kept a comprehensive list, with much more information than is contained in the "character list" below.  I needed to hold in my mind details of where these people lived, how old they were,  what they looked like, who their friends and enemies were, what they wore, and what their characteristics were -- even down to their manner of speaking.  Every now and then I made mistakes, and failed to get away with it. Every author needs to remember that if your novel -- or novels -- strike a chord and acquire a following, there will be some people out there who are more familiar with the story than you are!  I well remember being pulled up twice -- once by somebody who noticed that a certain character lived at one address in one book and on another farm in the next book, and then somebody else who noticed that a key character had blonde hair in one book and black hair in another.  You can never be too careful......... just as in films, somebody or other is sure to pick up on every little error and anachronism........

CHARACTER LIST (extract)

Samuel Stokes, b 1811, heavily involved in Rebecca Riots. Friend of Martha 1847.

Daniel Thomas, new Mayor of Newport (also Coroner) in 1806. Llewelyn Thomas, rector of Newport 1824-1875. Enemy of Martha.

John Thomas, senior deacon of Capel Brynberian in 1846.

Ceredig ap Tomos, Squire of New Moat, in love with Martha for years. Born 1769. Committed suicide after cancelled wedding, 24 Aug 1822. In third story.

Solomon Tomos, Fachongle Isaf (strict Caersalem) good but very intolerant.

Zeke Tomos Pencrugiau, b 1800, tenant on Bayvil estate 1837. One of Ceffyl Pren gang. Killed by Martha 1844. Villain during Rebecca Riots.

Charlie Toms, Churchwarden and one of the Overseers of the Poor 1800-08. Involved the adoption of Brynach.

Bobby Toms, Clerk to the Justices in 1846.

Billy Truscott, smuggler west of Fishguard 1800.

Moll Truscott (Moll Liberal Favours) prostitute from Fishguard, sister of Billy.

Thomas Tucker (b 1760, d 1825), wife Mary and three children,

tenants at Penrhiw to 1825.

Waldo Tucker, oldest son, b 1790, took over as Penrhiw tenant 1825. Died Dec 1844. No heirs.

Tomos Turner, wood turner from Newport 1800.

Jonas Vaughan, Castlebythe, elderly squire, feeble but honest.

Aaron Voyle, b 1780, tenant at Llystyn after purchase 1817. Involved in Rebecca Riots.

Shoni Wallis (Shoni Hallelujah), deacon of Bethesda 1797.

Benji Walter, corn merchant from Parrog. Married Bessie, died 1802 in accident

Alban Watkins, b 1755, Squire of Llannerch, transported to NSW in 1799. Murdered in 1806. Wife Myfanwy and daughters Rose and Daisy moved to Scotland after loss of the estate in 1797. Villain in first and second books.

Benjamin Watkins, old cousin of Alban, merchant in Newport 1806.