Michael Corleone

Michael is probably the only character that has developed so far in the movie "The Godfather". He starts off as a quiet character who does not like to associate himself in the family business. Coming to his sister's wedding in military clothing shows that he is distant from his family. Throughout the beginning plot of the movie, he stays this way. After Don Corleone was shot, Michael goes to see his father. He notices right away that no one is in the hospital to guard his father. Michael immediately takes calm and swift action. He moves his father's bed to another room and goes to watch for the killers outside. After warding off the killers, he encounters cops. The police chief is suspected of working for the Tattaglia mafia family. Michael plans calmly how to get rid of the police chief and Sollozzo, Don Corleone's shooter, at the same time. His calm brother, Tom Hagen, tries to think of a way but is unable. His hot-headed brother, Sonny, is seen trying to solve the problem with force.

Michael is a foil for Tom and Sonny. He can be calm and very intelligent when necessary. Just as the time when they are devising a plan, Michael takes charge and constructs an outstanding plan. Michael also displays Sonny's aggressiveness. Michael, who had always been trying to stay away from his family's business, suddenly changes and decides to murder not one, but two people at once. I think this literary feature was used to show that Michael can be as violent and aggressive as Sonny but to think things through before taking action. This emphasizes his intelligence.