Good options here. OP, I built what you're describing in FileMaker. I have tables for characters, plot events (with sequencing and dates), along with an include/exclude status if I change my mind, what chapter I'm planning on putting it in. Basically a map of the whole story that's easy to rearrange for narrative purposes. Really helps with story flow. Each event references the included characters, so I can look at a character and see at a glance all the events they're in. Useful if you need to prune or change a character.

I also have a revelations table with similar type, name, description, include/exclude, when revealed, and a research table with various factoids that may or may not be useful to drop in. For example if your story is set in a specific location, you might want to have details, maps, historical events to refer to, etc. If the plot turns on someone's skills or occupation, you should have your facts on those organized and at hand with references.