He is the youngest son who refuses to get involved in the family's criminal world, wanting to be a law-abiding American citizen through his university education. He is a decorated hero of World War II. However, after the assassination attempt on his father threatens the destruction of the family, the Corleone dormant within him awakens. With his intelligence and incredible cold-bloodedness, he saves the family by killing Sollozzo and police captain McCluskey, and flees to Sicily. The bloody end of his marriage to Apollonia in Sicily transforms him into a completely ruthless, emotionless, and calculating character. After returning to America, he follows in his father's footsteps, destroying all his enemies with even more brutal and absolute power to become the new Don.
A brilliant young man attending Dartmouth College, who volunteered for the military to escape the family's dark shadow and achieved success in the war. His dreams of building an ordinary, respectable American life with Kay Adams, far from his family and the underworld, are completely shattered by the five bullets fired at his father.
Initially, he has the appearance of an innocent and handsome college student. However, after the punch thrown by McCluskey, his cheekbone on the left side of his face is broken, and it heals improperly, resulting in a permanent, dangerous crookedness and asymmetry. This gives him an intimidating and stern expression, much like his father's.
Apollonia
His pure and innocent first wife, whom he married in Sicily with a brief but very intense passion.
Kay Adams
His wife, whom he loves and who represents innocence, but whom he eventually shuts out of his dark world by lying to her.
Vito Corleone
His father, whom he respects deeply and for whose sake he changes all his life plans to enter the mafia world.
Sonny Corleone
His warm-blooded, hot-headed older brother, whom he loves but whose leadership qualities he finds weak.