In my latest novel, I have a notebook.

I used an outline for Siolam.

http://www.amazon.com/Siolam-Black-Western-Darrell-Banks/dp/1515299236/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1442695944&sr=1-1&keywords=siolam

The purpose of an outline is to guide the writer.

You do not want  too many plot holes.

Your novel needs structure.

Thus, the outline, where you plot your character diagrams.

As in Siolam; Beth, Bart  and Kip

Kip, Big Ben, and  Bart

What drives your character what motivates him?

How does the environment affect his character?

How does your protagonist character shape the plot?

Think about that.