Fields don't exist unless there is something to detect them. Forces at a point exist without a charge there. Field lines are paths of a charges motion. The electric force is the same as the gravitational force. Field lines actually radiate from positive to negative charges and convey motion.
Field lines exist only in two dimensions.
An electron is pure negative charge with no mass. Oil drops are electrons. The scientific method is pure and absolute. Scientists always stumble on discoveries. Millikan measured the mass of the electron.