I always give the Wookieepedia page a look and check out characters, locations, etc. Since I skip the summaries due to spoiler potential, I don't know the extent of the characters' involvement in a story.
The only exception is if they're a mention only, which Wookieepedia points out. I'll go with a mention only in all cases except Padme. Any Padme = no reading. If Anakin is a small role and well written (which sounds like it's the case from Zahn), I'll try it.