I have the same problem. I wonder if Amazon's touted "X-ray" feature on the new Kindles will offer some solace...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbzOLua2baw
maybe I can finally figure out which Andreyi is which next time I read War and Peace... or figure out who the heck the next chapter by Martin is about....
I am not sure how good the info will be - but the idea is neat. I hope they implement it properly.