The Godfather, both a novel and a film, has left an indelible mark on the world of organized crime in popular culture. Mario Puzo's gripping story, first published in 1969 and later adapted for the big screen, introduced audiences to the captivating Corleone Family. In this article, we explore the origins, structure, and key members of this iconic crime family.
The Corleone Family
Inspired by real-life crime families like the Genovese and Bonanno families, the Corleones hold a prominent place in The Godfather's allure. Established in the early 1930s, they mirror the organized crime syndicates that dominated New York during that era. Though the Corleone name is rooted in Sicily, Italy, the characters in The Godfather are based on their New York Mafia counterparts.
Key Members
Vito Corleone: Founder of the Corleone family, Vito escapes to America following the brutal murders of his father, brother, and mother by a local mafia chief. Originally named Vito Andolini, an immigration error alters his last name to Corleone, symbolizing his hometown.
Carmela Corleone: Vito's wife, Carmela, an immigrant from Sicily, married him in 1915. Their enduring marriage spans four decades, and they raise three sons, Santino, Frederico, and Michael, along with a daughter named Constanzia.
Santino “Sonny” Corleone: Sonny, Vito and Carmela's eldest son, possesses a fiery temperament. He is married to Sandra Corleone and has four children: Francesca, Kathryn, Frank, and Santino Jr. Sonny also fathers Vincent, who later succeeds Michael as the Don, with Lucy Mancini.
Frederico “Fredo” Corleone: Fredo, the less influential of the Corleone brothers, plays a minor role in the story. He is married to Deanna Dunn-Corleone and has a son with Marguerite Duvall.
Michael Corleone: The youngest son, Michael, ultimately becomes the Don. After committing a crime by killing a police officer, he seeks refuge in Sicily and marries Apollonia Vitelli. Tragically, Apollonia is killed in a car bomb intended for Michael. Upon returning to the US, Michael marries Katherine “Kay” Adams, with whom he has two children, Anthony and Mary, before their divorce.
Constanzia “Connie” Corleone: Connie, Vito and Carmela's only daughter experiences a turbulent love life that shapes the plot. Her first husband, Carlo Rizzi, is an abusive individual, and despite their troubled relationship, they have two children: Victor and Michael-Francis. Connie later has unsuccessful marriages with Ed Federici and Merle Johnson.
Created with Treemily family tree builder.
Structure of the Corleone Family:
- The Don: The family's leader, responsible for strategic decisions and overseeing all operations.
- Underboss: The second-in-command, who assumes leadership in the Don's absence.
- Consigliere: Similar to a lawyer or COO, providing advice and managing day-to-day operations.
- Caporegimes: Field commanders leading their crews and executing family tasks.
- Footsoldiers: The workforce carrying out various operations for the family.
