Walter Dean Myers uses three primary settings in the book Monster. One setting is Steve Harmon's neighborhood. Information about this place is learned through flashbacks or character testimonials while on the witness stand. A second setting is the jail where Steve is being held during the entire length of the trial. The third setting is the courtroom itself.

The courtroom and the jail stand out in sharp contrast from one another. The jail is a horrifying place, filled with intimidating and violent people. Steve is surrounded by murderers, rapists, and other such criminals. Steve believes that he is not like them, but he wonders if that is false, because he is being held in a place with them. The jail is filled with anger, hatred, lying, and violence. It is cold and unwelcoming.

The courtroom is equally dangerous and scary, but these aspects are expressed in different ways. The prosecuting attorney is still trying to portray Steve as a monster, but the courtroom stands out in contrast from the jail because it is so much less random. There are rules and order within the courtroom. There are proper procedures to follow, and the room itself is decorated in a way that commands respect. While the jail has stark, blank walls, the courtroom walls contain a painting of George Washington and an American flag.