The Monster and the Man tells the story of a monster named Crooky who likes to eat people in the forest. One day, Crooky comes across Thomas, the kindest man in the village, and decides not to eat him when Thomas pleads for his life by saying he needs to take care of his elderly mother. Thomas promises to repay Crooky, so Crooky spares him. Later, hunters trap Crooky, but Thomas comes to his rescue by cutting Crooky free with makeshift knives. The two become friends and build a house by the beach to live in peacefully away from the hunters, with Thomas inviting his mother to join them. Crooky learns to catch fish instead of eating people.