Characters
This defense attorney remains professional but emotionally detached from her client, showing uncertainty about his innocence by refusing to hug him after the verdict.
Who is Kathy O’brien?
The type of store where the robbery and murder take place.
What is a drugstore?
The format Steve uses to document his trial and experiences, symbolizing his attempt to control his own narrative.
What is a screenplay?
The event that leads to Steve Harmon and James King being put on trial
What is the robbery and murder of Alguinaldo Nesbitt
The term for Steve’s legal status while awaiting trial, meaning he has not yet been convicted.
What is presumed innocent?
This defense attorney remains professional but emotionally detached from her client, showing uncertainty about his innocence by refusing to hug him after the verdict.
Who is Osvaldo Cruz?
The word the prosecutor uses to describe Steve and the other defendants, reinforcing themes of dehumanization and bias.
What is Monster?
The central theme illustrated by Steve’s struggle to understand his own identity after being labeled a criminal.
What is self-identity?
The item stolen from the drugstore that is used as proof that a robbery occurred
What is a carton of cigarettes?
The main reason Osvaldo Cruz claims he participated in the robbery.
What is fear of retaliation from the Diablos?
A convicted felon who testifies that one of the defendants admitted to committing the crime, though his testimony is part of a deal to reduce his own sentence.
Who is Richard “Bobo” Evans?
The object used in the shooting, originally belonging to the store owner, which serves as a critical piece of evidence
What is a gun?
The major societal issue explored in the novel, highlighting how economic status affects the way the legal system treats individuals.
What is justice inequality?
The reason Richard “Bobo” Evans agrees to testify for the prosecution.
What is a reduced sentence?
The action Steve takes during the trial to appear innocent and separate himself from the other defendants.
What is dressing formally and avoiding eye contact with James King?
The defendant accused of entering the store and being directly involved in the robbery and murder, making him a key figure in the prosecution’s case.
Who is James King?
The role the prosecution claims Steve played in the crime, suggesting he helped by ensuring the store was clear before the robbery.
What is a lookout?
The major societal issue explored in the novel, highlighting how race and economic status affect the way the legal system treats individuals.
What is disappointment and uncertainty?
The location where the stolen goods were allegedly sold after the crime.
What is a Harlem neighborhood?
The way Steve describes the sounds of prison at night, reinforcing the emotional toll of incarceration.
What is crying, shouting, and prisoners being beaten?
The store employee who discovers the victim’s body and testifies about missing cartons of cigarettes, confirming that a robbery took place.
Who is José Delgado?
The aspect of Steve’s life that his defense attorney highlights to separate him from the other defendants, emphasizing his creative aspirations and lack of a criminal past.
What is his filmmaking dreams?
The item Steve uses to film himself after the trial, symbolizing his continued struggle with self-perception and how others see him.
What is a video camera?
The key detail that differentiates Steve’s involvement from James King’s, according to his defense.
What is no physical evidence?
The importance of jury selection in Steve’s trial, given concerns about racial bias and preconceived notions.
What is the perception of being a black man on trial?