Final answer:
Osvaldo Cruz's claim of fear towards Steve Harmon in 'Monster' may not be believable given Steve's characterization in the novel and Cruz's potential motive to shift blame.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Monster, the character Osvaldo Cruz claims to be afraid of Steve Harmon. However, the reader and jury might find reasons to question the veracity of this statement. One reason is given the context of the novel; Steve is presented as a 16-year-old film enthusiast who makes documentaries as a hobby, and not as someone who seems to be intimidating. Moreover, evidence from the text suggests that Cruz himself is a member of a gang and engages in illegal activities, which may make his claim of being afraid of Steve dubious.
During the trial, Steve is portrayed, especially through his own screenplay format of the events, as more of a bystander than a 'monster'. Furthermore, Cruz may have a motive to shift blame or diminish his own involvement by claiming fear of another person. The concept of 'monster' in the novel often juxtaposes the exterior appearance or label with the character's true nature and actions. Thus, the narrative encourages readers to critique and look beyond surface-level claims.