Monster Characters

The main characters in Monster are Steve Harmon, Kathy O'Brien, Sandra Petrocelli, Asa Briggs, and James King.

  • Steve Harmon is the protagonist of the novel. A high school student with a passion for filmmaking, Steve's involvement in the case causes him to rethink his sense of self.
  • Kathy O'Brien is Steve's defense lawyer. Her doubts about Steve unnerve him.
  • Sandra Petrocelli is the prosecutor, who employs coercive tactics and labels Steve a "monster."
  • Asa Briggs is James King's defense lawyer, who pushes back against Petrocelli's tactics. 
  • James King is a young criminal and the suspected murderer in the case.

Characters

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Steve Harmon

Steve Harmon is a sixteen-year-old boy and the protagonist of the novel. He is described by the prosecutor Sandra Petrocelli as the eponymous “monster.” This naming is profoundly ironic, because there is nothing remotely monstrous about Steve. He is thoughtful, sensitive and creative, mainly interested in making film documentaries about his neighborhood. It is not clear whether Steve has some minimal involvement in the robbery. It is possible that he was pressured into walking into the store to check if there were any police present before the robbery. Even if this is the case, he seems to be morally innocent, with no malign intentions and certainly no knowledge of potential murder. He is genuinely horrified by the idea of Mr. Nesbitt drowning in his own blood and is repelled by the violence which surrounds him in the detention center. Steve’s sensitivity extends to a great deal of worrying about what others think of him. He is increasingly alarmed, as the book progresses, at the number of people who really seem to think he is a monster.

Kathy O’Brien

Kathy O’Brien is a highly competent and professional lawyer whose job appears to be central to her life. Although she seems more scrupulous than Sandra Petrocelli, the prosecution lawyer, O’Brien is also principally concerned with winning the case rather than getting to the truth. Steve only gradually realizes this. At first, he thinks O’Brien is interested in him as a fellow human being, but he comes to see that she does not believe in his innocence and only really wants to learn about him in order to present his case as effectively as possible. Her refusal to acknowledge him at the end of the book shows her dislike for and disbelief in him—or, at best, her complete indifference.

Sandra Petrocelli

Sandra Petrocelli is a tough prosecutor whose approach to the law is cynical and manipulative. She cares only about winning the case and is completely uninterested in such idealistic concepts as truth or justice. She has made numerous deals with criminals in order to construct a convincing case against Steve and James King, and she preemptively labels the defendants “monsters” in an attempt to prejudice the jury.

Asa Briggs

Asa Briggs is James King’s defense lawyer, a tired and cynical older man who clearly knows that his client is guilty and does not particularly care. Like the other two lawyers, he represents the inherent corruption in the justice system, though he is not personally unethical. He does his job effectively, often engaging in heated arguments with Sandra Petrocelli over her manipulative practices and leading questions. A note of clarification: Asa Briggs is the name of a famous British social historian, who was still alive and writing when Monster was published.

James King

James King is a criminal in his mid twenties and, as becomes clear, the murderer of Mr. Nesbitt. He is largely silent, because his lawyer is convinced that his obvious guilt and lack of intelligence would cause him to incriminate himself if he were to speak. King is a foil to Steve, who once had a certain amount of respect for King’s tough demeanor but soon realizes that he is actually a powerless fool.

Bobo Evans

Bobo Evans is an older career criminal with a long record who testifies against Steve and James King in return for a reduced sentence. His testimony is unreliable, and he has to admit that he does not actually know Steve, and only has King’s word that he was involved in the robbery at all. He seems to have become complicit in the unjust legal system and knows how to manipulate it to his advantage.

Osvaldo Cruz

Osvaldo Cruz is a fourteen-year-old boy who is thought to be relatively innocent because of his youth, hence the fact that he is offered a plea bargain. However, he is already a gang member with a strong taste for violence and a much more menacing figure than Steve.

The Judge

The Judge is an old man close to the end of his career. He appears bored throughout the trial and resembles most of the other court officials. He is fairly impartial but has a friendly rapport with the lawyers, giving the impression of a privileged clique.

Detective Karyl

Detective Karyl is the investigating officer who arrested Steve. He is malicious and prejudiced, automatically assuming that a young Black man must be guilty and vindictively saying that he hopes Steve will be executed. Detective Karyl is complicit in the corruption of the system not only because of his racist attitude but because he has not bothered to look into the incident thoroughly or carry out his duties carefully.

Mr. Harmon

Steve’s father is depicted as conscientious and well-intentioned but distant and even distrustful of his son, who has not lived up to his expectations. Steve does not think his father really believes he is innocent and feels that their relationship has suffered irreparable damage as a result of the trial.

Mrs. Harmon

Steve’s mother is deeply religious and tries to support her son with words from the Bible. She finds it impossible to hide her distress at seeing her son in prison, and she cannot stop breaking down and crying when she visits.

Mr. Sawicki

Mr. Sawicki, Steve’s film teacher, appears as a character witness and says that Steve is a decent boy and a creative, thoughtful filmmaker. He is one of the few people who appear to believe in Steve’s innocence and understand his character.

Lorelle Henry

Lorelle Henry is one of the few witnesses who is neither an expert nor a criminal with a plea bargain. She is a simple bystander who was in the drugstore when Evans and King attacked Mr. Nesbitt. She is a retired librarian and one of the few conscientious and public-spirited figures in the novel. She has come forward in the interests of justice, though as a Black woman, she feels reluctant to testify against a Black man.

Expert Q&A

What traits best describe Steve Harmon in Monster by Walter Dean Myers?

In Monster, Steve Harmon is, for the most part, a good kid caught in a bad situation. Steve considers and shows himself to be a good person at heart. He loves his family. He is highly creative and self-expressive, and he is sensitive. Steve does not want to be the “monster” others label him as.

Who is Osvaldo Cruz in Monster by Walter Dean Myers and what is his role?

Osvaldo Cruz, a fourteen-year-old gang member from the Diablos, participates in the robbery by standing outside the store to slow down pursuers. During the trial, he testifies against Steve Harmon and James King, claiming he was coerced by Bobo with threats of violence. However, his credibility is questioned due to his gang affiliation and past criminal behavior.

In Monster, who is Dorothy Moore and how does her testimony support Petrocelli's case?

In "Monster," Dorothy Moore is James King's cousin, and her testimony supports Petrocelli's case by being inconsistent and suspicious. She claims James visited her at 3:30 p.m. on the day of the crime, acting as his alibi. However, her responses about the visit and a broken lamp gift raise doubts, suggesting she is fabricating her testimony to help her cousin.

Who is Jose Delgado in Monster?

José Delgado is Mr. Nesbitt's former employee. He found Mr. Nesbitt's body in the drugstore after he was murdered. It's notable that Mr. Nesbitt's murder took place while José was on his lunch-break, as he's known for being a competitive martial artist and could have defended Mr. Nesbitt from attack.

In Monster, what are the similarities and differences between Steve Harmon and James King?

Steve Harmon and James King are both young African American men from the same neighborhood and implicated in Mr. Nesbitt's death. However, Steve is a conscientious, education-focused individual with a positive reputation, while James is a callous thug with a reputation for intimidation. Steve is found not guilty, whereas James is convicted and sentenced to twenty-five years to life.

Describe the relationship between Steve Harmon and Kathy O'Brien in Monster.

The relationship between Steve Harmon and Kathy O'Brien is strictly professional. As Steve's defense attorney in a criminal case, O'Brien focuses on her job without emotional involvement, helping Steve present himself positively in court. Despite Steve's attempts to connect personally, O'Brien remains distant, suggesting she believes in his guilt. Her reaction when Steve is acquitted—backing away from his attempt to hug—reinforces the professional boundary and hints at her perception of him as a "monster."

In the novel Monster, how does Steve define truth?

In Monster, Steve defines truth as "what you know to be right," linking it to one's morals and conscience. Despite this, he acknowledges that for those in the legal system, truth often becomes about survival and doing whatever it takes to get out of jail, which leads him to lie about his involvement in the robbery.

What roles do Steve's parents play in his life, and how do they contribute to his troubles and attempts to overcome them?

Steve's parents play supportive yet contrasting roles in his life. His mother, who believes in his innocence, visits often and provides emotional and physical support, while his father, though supportive, harbors doubts and eventually distances himself after the trial. Their actions indicate a close, caring relationship, although their inability to instill a strong sense of right and wrong might have contributed to Steve's troubles.

Who are the dynamic and flat characters in Monster by Walter Dean Myers?

In "Monster," Steve Harmon is a dynamic character, experiencing a change in self-perception as he grapples with being labeled a "monster." Kathy O'Brien also changes, particularly in her attitude toward Steve after realizing his involvement in the crime. Osvaldo Cruz shifts from a thug to portraying himself as morally upright. Flat characters include Sandra Petrocelli, who remains consistent in her contempt for the defendants, and Richard "Bobo" Evans and James King, who stay callous and selfish throughout.

What emotions does Steve Harmon's mother experience in Monster?

Steve Harmon's mother experiences a range of emotions, including worry, pain, and anxiety, due to her son's involvement in a trial. She is deeply disturbed by his arrest and imprisonment but remains supportive and encouraging. Her belief in Steve's innocence is unwavering, as shown by her gift of a Bible with Psalm 28:7 highlighted. Despite her distress, she is relieved and overjoyed when Steve is found not guilty, demonstrating her compassionate and caring nature.

How does Osvaldo's behavior differ in his interactions with Steve and Freddy versus his testimony in Monster?

Osvaldo's behavior differs significantly between his interactions with Steve and Freddy and his testimony in Monster. When speaking with Steve and Freddy, he is aggressive and insults Steve, hiding behind his gang's reputation. However, during his testimony, Osvaldo portrays himself as a timid victim, claiming he participated in the robbery out of fear of older gang members, which contradicts his earlier behavior.

Which scenes featuring Steve's friends and family humanize him?

The scene with Steve and his younger brother Jerry on the couch humanizes Steve by highlighting his loving nature and desire to do good. Their playful conversation about superheroes, where Jerry suggests Steve be Batman so he can be Robin, emphasizes Steve's role as a caring brother. This interaction contrasts with the idea of Steve as a "monster," portraying him instead as a relatable and compassionate family member.

What is Steve's fear or nightmare in Monster?

Steve's primary fear in "Monster" is being found guilty, which would mean spending many years in prison. His nightmare includes fears of violence and rape from other inmates and the possibility of not waking up if he sleeps. He is also terrified of becoming the "monster" the prosecutors claim he is, leading to panic attacks and a sense of losing his identity, as he no longer recognizes himself in the mirror.

Who is the antagonist in Monster by Walter Dean Myers?

In Walter Dean Myers' Monster, the antagonist is multifaceted. King, a co-defendant, serves as a direct antagonist by being on trial alongside Steve Harmon, the protagonist. The justice system also acts as an antagonist, with its prejudices and assumptions against Steve. Additionally, Steve faces an internal struggle, viewing himself as a "monster." Ultimately, the antagonist varies by interpretation, ranging from societal biases to Steve's internal conflict.

What type of personality does Steve Harmon have and what interests him?

Steve Harmon is a typical teenager grappling with self-identity, torn between wanting to appear tough like his neighborhood peers and knowing he is inherently non-violent. Despite being portrayed as a "monster" in court, Steve sees himself as a good person with a strong moral compass. His teacher describes him as "talented, bright, and compassionate." Steve is interested in filmmaking, which he excels at and uses as a coping mechanism during difficult times.

What is the conflict between Steve and his father in Monster?

The conflict between Steve and his father centers on Mr. Harmon's doubt about Steve's innocence, which strains their relationship. Steve looks for reassurance from his father but finds none, sensing that his father views him differently due to his legal troubles. Mr. Harmon had high hopes for Steve, envisioning a future similar to his own. The tension culminates in Mr. Harmon crying, highlighting his struggle to reconcile his expectations with Steve's situation.

What instances in Monster most humanize Steve?

I think that much of what Steve is able to be understood through the context in which he lives. He is not a monster, but rather a human being who has committed a horrible crime. There are moments where he does seem to lose some level of humanity, but I think that this is constructed by circumstance and environment as opposed to any inherent quality in him.

Is Steve considered a hero in the novel Monster? If so, how?

Steve Harmon is considered a hero in "Monster" because he overcomes adversity and seeks self-understanding while on trial for murder. Although he associates with criminals, he reflects on his morality and records his experiences, aspiring to make a film about them. Despite his depression and anxiety, Steve's introspection and pursuit of identity, distancing himself from a criminal lifestyle, portray him as a hero who betters himself by examining his conscience and values.

Who demonstrates empathy towards Steve in Monster?

In "Monster," Mr. Sawicki demonstrates empathy towards Steve. While most characters view Steve as an outsider, Mr. Sawicki, his film teacher, serves as a character witness and genuinely understands Steve's harmless and creative nature. Although Steve initially believes his lawyer, Kathy O'Brien, empathizes with him, her actions reveal she was merely performing her duty. Mr. Sawicki's empathy highlights Steve's isolation and misunderstanding by others.

How does Steve Harmon demonstrate perseverance in Monster?

Steve Harmon does not have the determination to do anything. He doesn't stick to a script, and he doesn't fight for his innocence. He is completely dominated by his mother, who seems like an angry version of the Wizard of Oz. She is a fictional character that repeatedly tells Steve what to do, and she even gives him directions on how to respond in court. Perseverance is doing something despite repeated difficulties getting in the way. It's taking steps toward some goal while being confronted with roadblocks along the way. Steve didn't display perseverance because he didn't do anything heroic or morally correct at any point during the book.

The impact of the trial on Steve's life and character development five years later

Five years after the trial, Steve's life and character have been significantly impacted. The experience has left him more introspective and cautious, shaping his views on justice and identity. He continues to grapple with the trial's emotional and social ramifications, affecting his relationships and aspirations.

An overview of the character Bolden and his testimony in the book "Monster."

Bolden is a minor character in Monster, who testifies as a witness for the prosecution. His testimony is pivotal as it links the main character, Steve Harmon, to the robbery and murder. Bolden provides information he claims to have overheard in jail about the crime, hoping to receive a lighter sentence in return for his cooperation.

Bobo's perception and influence in Monster

Bobo is perceived as an unreliable and untrustworthy character in Monster. His testimony and involvement in the crime significantly influence the jury's perception of Steve, contributing to the tension and uncertainty surrounding Steve's innocence.

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