I'm about to publish a fairly long story (over 400,000 words) and there are quite a few characters. Some authors include a cast of characters at the beginning of the story. Should I? Do you ever refer back to that or do you just read the story and get to know the characters as the story progresses? I'd like your input.
I got a lot of input in short order. Thanks to all.
I'm going to publish without a cast of characters. Here's why not.
I'll publish the complete story - several folks mentioned that it's tough if the story takes weeks or even years to be complete. This wont.
There isn't a cast of thousands. Most of the characters show up multiple times and it's rare for a character to be out of the story for more than a chapter or two.
Context for the characters is pretty consistent.
Most people said they would prefer to meet the characters as the story unfolds.
Thanks for all the input - very helpful.