The God Father
Puzo, Mario. The Godfather. New York City: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1969
Characters
Don Vito Corleone: The Don of the most powerful Mafia family in New York City, Vito is a self made legend created with his wisdom and leadership skills. His only price to pay for favors is the return of people’s unwavering friendship. Although Vito is a violent man in the mob business he isn’t corrupt. His family morals are strong and his actions aren’t motivated by money but rather by what he thinks is right. In the case of Amerigo Bonasera, who comes to the Don for revenge on two men you took advantage and beat his daughter, the Don is unhappy about his proposition because of the fact Amerigo had not treated the Don as a friend and with respect over the years by always turning to the law before the Godfather. But as a merciful man the Don agrees to help Amerigo in return for the promise that if called upon, Amerigo will be at his service. “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” In the novel, Vito serves as the core of his family and an exemplary Don with respectable morals.
Michael Corleone: Michael was the most promising of the Don’s children with hopes of making the Corleone family legitimate in the world. Michael didn’t want to become involved in the family business and no one expected him to either but when the Godfather is nearly shot to death, Michael is the obvious choice to take his position. Michael grows into a determined, ruthless, and incredibly smart man but is often blinded by rage and has an unquenchable thirst for violence and revenge. His cold blooded tactics and decisions gain him power but also puts strain on his family. Michael is a dynamic character throughout the novel changing dramatically from an honest man to a cunning criminal. After the death of his father Michael carries out the murders of all the Corleone enemies. After the merciless killings Michaels wife, Kay,
Characters
Don Vito Corleone: The Don of the most powerful Mafia family in New York City, Vito is a self made legend created with his wisdom and leadership skills. His only price to pay for favors is the return of people’s unwavering friendship. Although Vito is a violent man in the mob business he isn’t corrupt. His family morals are strong and his actions aren’t motivated by money but rather by what he thinks is right. In the case of Amerigo Bonasera, who comes to the Don for revenge on two men you took advantage and beat his daughter, the Don is unhappy about his proposition because of the fact Amerigo had not treated the Don as a friend and with respect over the years by always turning to the law before the Godfather. But as a merciful man the Don agrees to help Amerigo in return for the promise that if called upon, Amerigo will be at his service. “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” In the novel, Vito serves as the core of his family and an exemplary Don with respectable morals.
Michael Corleone: Michael was the most promising of the Don’s children with hopes of making the Corleone family legitimate in the world. Michael didn’t want to become involved in the family business and no one expected him to either but when the Godfather is nearly shot to death, Michael is the obvious choice to take his position. Michael grows into a determined, ruthless, and incredibly smart man but is often blinded by rage and has an unquenchable thirst for violence and revenge. His cold blooded tactics and decisions gain him power but also puts strain on his family. Michael is a dynamic character throughout the novel changing dramatically from an honest man to a cunning criminal. After the death of his father Michael carries out the murders of all the Corleone enemies. After the merciless killings Michaels wife, Kay,