People
He is the victim, the one killed in the robbery. (x)
Mr. Nesbitt
From Osvaldo's testimony on the stand, the reader can draw what conclusion about the reason for Osvaldo's willingness to testify? (#17)
He wants to make a deal to avoid going to prison.
What is the author's purpose in using different fonts throughout the book? (#1)
He is showing the difference between his personal journal pages and his movie script.
What major conflict does Steve face? (#4)
He must convince his lawyer and the jury of his innocence. He battles with himself over this issue.
Several times in his journal, Steve mentions the word "monster." How does the use of this word affect Steve? (x)
He begins to wonder if he really is one.
He is the teacher who testified as a character witness on Steve's behalf. (x)
Mr. Sawicki
Osvaldo Cruz, Sal Zinzi, and Bobo Evans have something to gain by testifying in court. What do Briggs and O'Brien suggest might be the result of this? (#19)
They could be lying to save themselves.
What is the purpose of including Steve's journal pages? (#2)
To reveal Steve's personal thoughts
What does the blanket Steve cowers under symbolize? (#11)
Safety and protection
"One looks terrified. The other is putting on a show of bravado." What does bravado mean? (x)
Boldness
What special skill did Jose Delgado have that might have affected the timing of the "getover"? (x)
He had a black belt in martial arts.
What does Steve say that he was doing on December 22nd when the crime was allegedly being committed? (#20)
He was taking mental notes for a film he was going to make.
What is the purpose of the DARK, BOLD font used in the movie script? (x)
It provides important instructions - camera angles, speakers and descriptions. It helps set the scene.
What does the movie script symbolize to Steve? (#13)
His escape from his current reality
Why are the details surrounding Steve's role as the alleged "lookout" and the sign he was supposed to give significant to the plot of the story? (#23)
It shows that Steve may not have given the sign and may not have participated in the crime the way that Ms. Petrocelli is suggesting he did
After talking to Mr. Bolden in prison, he is the one who called the detective to report possible information concerning Mr. Nesbitt's murder. (x)
Sal Zinzi
What was the purpose of having Osvaldo explain how he became a gang member? (#17)
It shows his potential for violence and suggests that he would not have a problem with being a part of the robbery.
Why does Steve include scenes from the jail? (#6)
He wants the reader/viewer to understand what life is truly like in prison.
What is the inciting incident of the novel? (#14)
Mr. Nesbitt is killed.
Why wouldn't Steve feel sorry for his mother as he awaits his verdict? (x)
He is overcome by his own fear and only worried about himself in that moment.
"Cut to: CU of O'BRIEN. Her lips tense; she is pensive. She gathers her papers and moves away as Steve, arms still outstretched, turns toward the camera." What can the reader/viewer infer about Mrs. O'Brien's reaction to the outcome of the trial? (#16)
She is not sure that he was actually innocent.
What does Steve think being "guilty" actually means? (#22)
A person has to actually do something - like shoot a person, steal a purse, rob a store, etc.
Why would Steve include flashbacks from his life before December 22, the day of the alleged crime? (#7)
to show that he is human
What is the TONE of the following sentence: "The best time to cry is at night, when the lights are out and someone is being beaten up and screaming for help." (#15)
Depression, sadness, possibly fear
In the script, as Steve prepares to enter court for the first time, he includes a CU of his face showing fear. What is the purpose for including this particular shot? (#10)
The reader/viewer can fully understand Steve's frame of mind and/or emotional state in that moment.