Week 3 Day 2: Character Intro – THE GODFATHER

[Sherry Miller]

The first scene cleverly opens with a man asking a favor of someone we can’t see. Man spouts, “I believe in America, taught my daughter not to dishonor her family (key point for characterization), boyfriend not Italian (a problem) and he and his friend beat her up because she resisted them. She’s in a hospital. Camera pans out to see a hand very still next to a face…Don Corleone. He’s put in a challenging situation when this man asks for justice, a huge favor. Camera lets us see all of Corleone who asks why he went to police 1st, suggesting that wasn’t the friendly thing to do. All of this is in front of a few family members, employees, and possibly a body guard. Godfather says “no” to helping at first saying it’s his daughter’s wedding day (family comes first). However, Godfather prods the man into submission, indicating he never called him a friend. So the man complies, calls Corleone his “friend” now, vowing to come only to him for help, perhaps do a favor in return when needed, then bows and kisses Godfather’s ring. Interesting dialogue and characterization. Corleone is petting a purring cat (engaging) making him almost likable, demands loyalty, will take care of family always as long as they don’t cross him. He appears engaging, thoughtfl, wise, and calm. When the man offers money, Godfather is offended, says that’s disrespectful. By action and word, we already know he’s vengeful, will kill who he has to, and exerts power over those around him. But hey, enjoy the wedding. Therefore, the action he finally takes fits this character. Don’t do the dirty deed yourself, hand it over to someone else you can trust. Which becomes interesting dialogue when Godfather orders gently, “Give this to Clementi. We want reliable people. People who are not going to be carried away. We’re not murderers no matter what the undertaker says.” If we, as writers, can come up with lines like that, capturing real character, we will create amazing scenes.