When I started writing The T‑Rex King, I knew Rex couldn’t save the world alone. He needed a team — and not just any team. The Roaring Alliance had to be made of dinosaurs that felt real, like you could imagine being friends with them.
My one-question trick for every character
Before I write a single word about a new character, I ask myself one question: “What is this character afraid of?”
That single answer unlocks everything else. Their voice. Their decisions. Why they argue with the other dinosaurs. Why they finally step up when it matters most. Heroes aren’t interesting because they’re powerful — they’re interesting because they’re scared of something and they do it anyway.
Building the Alliance, one fear at a time
- Rex is afraid he’s not big enough to lead.
- The Triceratops captain is afraid of being seen as soft.
- The Raptor scout is afraid she’ll be left behind.
- The Pterodactyl messenger is afraid of heights — yes, really.
Each fear pushed them into the kind of decisions that made the story exciting. When you read the book, look for the moment each dinosaur faces their fear. That’s the moment they become a hero.
Your turn
Invent a character right now. Pick anything — a wizard, a robot, a kid in your class, a talking shoe. Then answer just one question: what are they afraid of?
Write me one paragraph about a moment when they had to face that fear. That paragraph might be the start of your next great story.
Want to meet the whole Roaring Alliance? Grab a copy of The T‑Rex King here.
