Literary Feature Hunt - Characterization of Don Corleone

Throughout the first scene of “The Godfather”, many characters are introduced.  The most important character is the Don Corleone.  He was characterized as a powerful, calm and kind man.  The way other characters acted and presented themselves to the Don helped distinguish the Don’s character.  Aswell, the Don’s actions and appearance also contributed to his characterization throughout the first scene. 

As the scene continued, the viewers were able to capture a better sense of the Don’ character, especially by the the way others act around him.  In the first scene, the Don was characterized as a powerful man. This is shown throughout the conversation he had with Bonasera.  The Don was able to receive what he wanted by manipulating his power and control.  Bonasera also got what he wanted, but he had to flatter the Don and give him a kiss to show his respect. The Don wanted to rekindle his friendship with Bonasera, and by using his power, he achieved his goal. Besides Bonasera, there were other men who came to talk with the Don. Luca Brasi came just to thank the Don for inviting him and to compliment him on his home.  Luca Brasi into the Don’s office he was preparing a speech to say to him. The way Luca Brasi conducted himself in front of the Don and how he practiced his speech but was still nervous in front of the Don demonstrated the power the Don has over others and how others try really hard to impress him. 

The actions of others lead to the characterization of the Don, as did his actions.  The Don has been characterized as a very calm person.  During the first scene, the Don was sitting in his chair playing with his cat while Bonesera explained the terrible story about his daughter. It was a very serious and emotional story, but the Don did not show any emotions throughout it.  He was very composed and put-together throughout the meeting.  He showed that by leaning back in his chair, playing with his cat and having no facial expressions. The Don was also very calm when he told the photographer that he would not take the photo without Michael, his son who had not arrived at the party yet. This action of postposing the family picture shows that the Don is caring and considerate towards family.  His family is important to him, especially his son. 

The Don has been characterized through his appearance.  The clothes that the Don is wearing indicate that he is part of the wedding party. Since he is the father of the bride, he is wearing a black tuxedo with a red rose.  Most of the other men are only wearing a suite and tie, and the rest of the bridal party is wearing a white rose. The outfit he is wearing is very sophisticated and formal, and also differentiates him from the others. In the beginning scene, the Don was distinguished from the other men in the room.  The angle in which the audience views the Don contributes to his character.  The Don was in his dark office talking to Bonesera and behind him was a window where light was shinning through.  The window formed a halo around the Don’s head.  The appearance of the Don with halo around his head leads to the idea that he is a good man.  Halos generally represent angles and god, and in this case the Don is the godfather. 

The Don has many characteristic shown throughout the first scene. The actions others made around him, helped the viewer to understand what kind of person the Don is. The way the Don conducted him self and acted also contributed to his character, as did the appearance.  The physical appearance and the way in which the audience saw the Don lead the the characterization of him.  The way in which the audience perceived the Don was very important since he is a main character, and therefore he was characterized in many ways.