Prison changes Steve Harmon by making him more accepting of his perceived guilt and leading him to question his identity, even contemplating suicide. Initially hopeful and passionate about filmmaking, Steve becomes depressed and desperate in jail but ultimately emerges stronger, with a clearer understanding of himself and his identity, despite continuing to face discrimination.

Steve Harmon feels "alone when you are not really alone" due to his isolation in prison, surrounded by strangers he neither knows nor trusts. Despite being physically among other inmates, Steve experiences profound loneliness and fear, exacerbated by the constant threat of violence. His sentiment reflects the psychological toll of imprisonment, where the absence of familiar, supportive connections leaves him feeling isolated even in the company of others.

In "Monster," Steve undergoes a significant change in how he views himself, driven by his trial's emotional impact. This change is neither wholly positive nor negative but rather complex. Steve's self-perception evolves through the perspectives of the prosecution, his lawyer, and his family, leading him to see himself in fragmented ways. The novel's format, using script and journal entries, highlights this multifaceted view, reflecting the modern notion that truth is not absolute but made of various perspectives.

In Monster, Steve's life is different from the other people involved in the robbery in that he hasn't previously committed violent crimes, and he is still loved and supported by multiple people around him.

The novel explores themes of self-identity and morality, which many can relate to personal experiences. Like Steve Harmon, individuals may struggle with identity and regret poor decisions made to fit in or justify actions. Steve's attempt to rationalize his role in a crime parallels how people sometimes try to justify bad choices to cope with consequences. These relatable themes highlight the universal challenges of understanding oneself and the moral ambiguities faced in life.

The novel is titled "Monster" to symbolize the label placed on Steve Harmon, the protagonist, by the prosecution and society. The term "monster" is used to describe individuals who lack regard for others, reflecting the prejudice and fear surrounding young minorities in the justice system. Steve struggles with this label throughout the novel, questioning its validity and using his screenplay to explore his identity and challenge the perception of being a "monster."

Steve Harmon is both the protagonist and antagonist in Walter Dean Myers' Monster because he is central to the story and drives the narrative forward as he recounts his trial for felony murder. As the protagonist, Steve is the focal point of the novel. However, he also acts as his own antagonist by making choices that lead to his arrest, such as participating in a robbery, thereby causing his own internal and external conflicts.

In Monster, Steve's role in the robbery is not clear. However, it is evident that he had no malign intentions and no idea that the robbery might lead to murder. It therefore seems psychologically likely that he would convince himself that he did nothing wrong and that his intentions in entering the shop were entirely innocent, since he certainly did not intend the harm which actually occurred.

In Monster, Steve Harmon grapples with his self-perception and identity throughout the novel. He struggles to reconcile his self-image as a good person with the prosecution's portrayal of him as a "monster." This internal conflict is exacerbated by his experiences in jail and the courtroom, leading him to question who he truly is.

Mrs. Harmon does not perceive her son, Steve, as a monster. During her emotional visit to him in prison, she expresses her belief in his innocence, highlighting her unwavering support. She gives him a Bible and assures him that she knows he did nothing wrong, contrasting with his father's doubts. Her actions and words reflect her view of Steve as a loving mother who believes in his innocence despite the allegations against him.