Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Vito Corleone, Clemenza

Vito Corleone functions as a mentor to Michael later in the movie, instructing him on how to identify the traitor who will betray him to Barzini. Also, since Vito is Michael's dad, we can assume he's mentored him more broadly in the past. But since Vito never really wanted Michael to become the new Don, his role was necessarily limited.

When Michael resolves to kill Sollozzo and Captain McCluskey he turns to Clemenza for advice, who lends him murder techniques, cooking advice, and romantic tips as well (he wants Michael to reciprocate Kay's love). In the action of the movie itself, Clemenza more overtly fulfills the mentor's position in relation to Michael.