I use a free mapping app on my ipad to do mapping. I use it when I am stuck, or when first storyboarding arc and structure.

Brainstorming free form works too. Helps me find connections between characters, plot points, locations.

Mapping tends to loosen up my inner editor and lets my more visual side come into play.

Sorta. But it's all in my head.

I don't like writing down character maps. If I write it down I feel like I am a God creating another being. And it feels phony. (Even though in my head, it is pretty much the same -- minus the D.O.B).

I prefer thinking about characters as old friends I know really well. I know most of their secrets. I know why they don't tell others certain things. I generally know their history, their past --

-- but every now and then they surprise me.

I prefer starting from character rather than plot -- simply because I think it's easier to figure out the obstacles to put in someone's way, than vice versa.

All you need to know is what the character wants/needs and craft the plot to not only prevent them from getting it, but to exploit their weaknesses as well.

As for the second mind map, where they all intertwine -- Someone a long time ago told me that the characters in Winnie the Poo were all different facets of Christopher Robbin's personality.

In general, I find that to be true about all stories. Supporting characters are just a different POV of the protagonist -- a different route that the protagonist could have taken.

I also find this outlook helps eliminate redundant characters.

But, of course, none of this was probably what you were looking for Scott. lol I don't really pre-write in any standard way.

I usually "draw" out my stories. Maybe one day I'll show this. But they really don't make sense until they're written on the page. lol.

@Karma Lee: Could you post the name of the free mapping app. I'll bet others would benefit from checking that out.

http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

This a decent mapping software.

Before that I use to do it in Excel, which I still use to outline the hole script from "Premise" to "Step/Scene Outline".

The more you know your "Characters" the more you know your story. Characters are defined by their actions and the selection of these actions is your plot.