Who is The Monster from Crank and what is their importance?

The monster is the term that Hopkins gives to the drug crank. Although crank is in reality an object and not a person, Hopkins writes about this drug as if it had the characteristics of a person. The term "monster" indicates this drug is something to be feared and from which one should stay away. Kristina, however, does not stay away from this monster and thus becomes its prey. At one point Kristina describes the monster as an octopus who weaves it tentacles around its prey and will not let go. Kristina writes that it is nearly impossible to ever walk away from this drug once one begins taking it.