“The prosecutor calls me a monster.”
Steve Harmon
This inmate steals witness information from another inmate for a reduced sentence.
Salvatore Zinzi
This woman serves as Steve Harmon’s defense attorney, guiding him through the trial and challenging the prosecution’s case.
Who is Kathy O’Brien?
Steve writes his story using this kind of format, showing the events as if they were being filmed.
What is a movie script (screenplay)?
In his notebook, Steve says he wants the jury to see him as this kind of person — not just as a defendant.
What is a human being?
“This is a case about a monster.”
Sandra Petrocelli
This inmate tells Steve that when they “rock and roll” in jail, it doesn’t mean dancing—it means fighting.
Sunset
This sharp-tongued prosecutor opens the trial by calling Steve and his co-defendant “monsters.”
Who is Sandra Petrocelli?
Words like Fade In and Cut To are examples of these stage or film instructions that tell how a scene should look or change.
What are camera directions or stage directions?
Throughout the trial, Steve struggles with this question: “Am I truly a monster, or am I still this?”
What is a good person
“Ain’t no big deal, just a get-over.”
James King
This person is afraid to visit Jail and see an inmate
Mrs. Harmon or Mr Harmon
This attorney defends James King and works to make the jury doubt the credibility of witnesses like Bobo Evans.
Who is Asa Briggs?
When Steve writes lines for people to speak, those lines are called this part of a script.
What is dialogue?
Steve writes in his notebook that sometimes he feels like he’s watching his life on screen instead of living it. This shows what kind of emotional reaction?
What is detachment or disbelief?
“You’re not innocent. You’re young, but you’re not innocent.”
Kathy O'Brien
In his jail cell, Steve hears this constant sound that reminds him he’s trapped — even when everything else is quiet.
What is the clanging of metal doors?
Kathy O’Brien tells Steve, “You’re young, you’re Black, and you’re on trial. What else do they need to know?” — a warning about this harsh reality in the courtroom.
What is racial bias or prejudice?
Steve sometimes writes close-up in his script to focus on a character’s face — this technique is called what?
What is a camera shot or camera angle?
After the verdict, Steve looks at O’Brien for comfort, but she pulls away — making him question this about himself.
What is his innocence or his identity?
“I’m telling you the truth, man. I ain’t got no reason to lie now.”
Richard "Bobo" Evans
Steve is most afraid of this in Jail. (2 things)
Himself and becoming a "Monster" like the other inmates.
During the trial, Steve writes that he feels like he’s not even part of it — like he’s watching a movie instead. This shows his defense mechanism for coping with what emotion?
What is fear or detachment?
In between the scripted scenes, Steve adds his personal thoughts and reflections in this type of writing.
What is a journal entry?
Even after the trial, Steve worries that people will always see him in this way, no matter what he does.
What is as a criminal