Patriot,
I agree with most of the responses above so my responses will overlap some of them.
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’m beginning a fictional novel called The Orion Brigade that is set in the Star Wars universe. I have a detailed plot set up in my head, and I’ve been thinking about the project for about a year. I’m very serious about sitting down and writing my first novel. I know that it may be impossible to publish it, but I hope to finish it for my personal satisfaction.
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I think you're on the right path. You might find that you can write as a profession as you maximize your talent after learning so much from trying to write this.
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I’m interested in knowing a little about character development and plotline. I want to cover a scene that takes place about twenty years before the actual novel begins, but should I do this in the first chapter or a prelude?
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As others have stated, you can most certainly do that but more often prologues are an attempt to deposit exposition into the story whereas the exposition might be better layered throughout the story. The reader doesn't need to know everything. And sometimes the initial confusion can heighten suspense and keep the reader motivated to learn more about the history of the character.
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As for character development, I’ve actually searched for templates from expert novelists, but I cannot find any. I want to really be serious about this, and that means seeking some advice. If anyone has any general advice for young writers, please share it with me. I have really enjoyed some of the general information and resources found on this site.
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As for seeing your characters, I know some writers envision an actor playing the part and use his features (or hers). I think it is a very successful method to make your character come alive in your mind, especially when you begin. Eventually the image will take its own shape as you write.
In general, I think understanding how the quest works in a story, along with the concept of showing and not telling, is key to learning how to write a story.
All stories are a quest and have at their most basic a beginning, middle, and end. You said you've already plotted so I'm probably covering familiar ground.
The Beginning
The quest starts your character's journey from an inciting incident that reverses his world and his goal is to set it straight.
The Middle
In order to set the world straight, the character will take an action that requires the least amount of energy. It won't work and this begins your middle where there are constant obstacles that keep your character from achieving his desire.
The End
Ultimately, there will be a final test that will take all your character's strength to achieve his desire and in this final climax where he achieves, or does not achieve, his desire, the meaning of your story is revealed.
This is your main plot. But most stories contain a couple subplots that involves other characters. These other characters also have their own quest that supports the main plot. It's in these subplots that the story is shaped as your main character interacts with the other characters. Each character has a beginning, middle, and end, each with his own desire. By plotting these characters you can develop your characters more fully than maybe generating an image of them. But picturing your characters certainly doesn't hurt!
This is just general advice and there's so much more detail but I'm sure people will respond if you ask more questions that are more specific.
Good luck!
