Vocab
What is a screenplay?
A screen play is written in script form for film or television. It includes dialogue, stage directions, and technical instructions for filming.
When the guard says that Steve's trial is a "motion case", what is he suggesting?
Ms. O'Brien comments to Steve that the prosecutors intend to seek "life without parole...". What does the phrase "life without parole" mean in this excerpt?
Steve could go to jail for the rest of his life.
What is the effect of changing narration in the screenplay and graphic novels?
The shift in perspectives helps Steve's story to seem more honest. We hear his thoughts and feelings, as well as the exterior POV. Understanding and sympathizing with the fact that he has nothing to hide.
What is a graphic novel?
A graphic novel includes both text and images to tell a full-length story. It includes illustrated panels, frames, speech balloons, and other comic-strip elements.
How does Steve's handwritten introduction affect the reader's understanding of the other characters?
It helps the reader understand that their view of the other characters is affected by the narrators perspective.
What is Ms. O'Brien's attitude toward Steve?
She is serious, all business, unfriendly, cold
Why is Steve at the Detention Center?
He is on trial for murder.
Who/what is a narrator?
A narrator tells the story and shapes the point of view for the reader.
FADE OUT/FADE IN, CUT TO/CLOSE-UP- these camera directions are all examples of ______________
Changes in perspective
When Ms. O'Brien says "It depends on what you mean by 'win'" does she mean that there are other possibly worse outcomes for Steve?
Yes...
How does Steve try to "make sense of his situation?
He turns his experience into a screenplay.
Explain the three types of narrator.
First person- narrator IS a story character. They reveal only what he or she knows. Uses first-person pronouns (I, me, my)
Third-person limited- narrator is NOT a story character. They reveal experience, thoughts, and feelings of other characters.
Third-person omniscient- narrator is NOT a story character. Reveals the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all characters. Uses third-person pronouns (he, she, they)
Why does the narrator in the screenplay repeat the word "Monster"?
Steve says that the prosecutor called him a monster, but the word doesn't reflect Steve's personality so far. By having Steve use "Monster" as the title of his screenplay, the author might want the reader to think about whether the "monster" label really fits Steve.
The facial expression of Ms. O'Brien's face when she says "Pay attention" indicates that she is: serious, tired, surprised, or yelling?
Serious
What word is repeated in a portion of the screenplay?
MONSTER
What is a voice-over?
In a movie or television show, a voice-over is a narration that is spoken by an unseen narrator or character.
Why do you think Steve includes the stenographer in his screenplay?
A court stenographer's job is to transcribe court proceedings. Steve is also focused on documenting his experience of being on trial, so it's likely he would notice and appreciate the stenographer's similar job.
True or False: Only the graphic novel shows that Steve is asked about breakfast in the van.
True.
How do the authors of the screenplay and the graphic novel convey point of view differently?
At the start of the graphic novel the author uses third-person limited POV to draw the reader in. "Most people in our community..."
In the screenplay, the POV shifts from first-person to third-person limited. Giving us insight to Steve's thoughts and feelings.