Characters--no spoilers, please

[rbbeck2]

Hey, just wanted to say first of all, I'm a The Stand newbie, just started reading it a few days ago and I'm a couple hundred pages in, but I have quick question? Am I the only who's had/having trouble keeping the various characters straight? I'm on the verge of busting out a notebook and keeping notes on the different plotlines. Does that seem inappropriate?

[Moderator]

Even Steve had to have notes on the characters to keep them straight. You can find a list of the characters here. Perhaps that will be helpful.

[Doc Wilson]

Nah just push on. It all comes together, you'll know them well before its over.

[michal]

It was a bit confusing for me too, the first time I read it, but I want to assure you that by the fifth reading of this incredible saga it all becomes much easier...

[rbbeck2]

Thank you, Ms. Mod!

[wally wonder]

first time through i usually just keep plowing, turning it over...but ms mod's suggestion would work...subsequent reads, i start indexing stuff, names, ideas, images, that kind of thing...helps cause sk's stuff is good and it's fun to catch something in another story, go to your notes, and remember how the idea/image/whatever was done in something already read. all else fails, i backtrack as i'm reading. we all get distracted by stuff, daydreaming, whatnot, doesn't happen too often, but if every time you walk outside someone's shaking their fist at you, you take notice.

[ChristineB]

I suggest on your first read to just go on with it. It really does all come together as the book moves on, taking notes (for me anyway) just takes you out of the story too much. On that first read just enjoy, you really will get to know these characters so well you won't want it to end.

[JayneH]

I had no problem with keeping track of the characters.... and after reading close to 20 times .... know them better than I know some of my own family