From mobsters to family members, The Godfather trilogy is full of well-written characters, all seeking to achieve different things in life. These complex individuals are part of the reason why the three Francis Ford Coppola masterpieces are rated so highly. And, in as much as their environment molds them to live a certain way, they all have their own distinct personalities.

RELATED: Recasting The Major Characters Of The Godfather (If It Was Made Today)

The personalities of these characters are best brought out through their actions and pronouncements. Since most of them are talkative and outgoing, they have a library of quotes to their names. Most of their remarks simply serve as tools to push the plot forward but a few highlight their mannerisms and beliefs quite well.

Don Vito Corleone

"I'm Gonna Make Him An Offer He Can't Refuse."

Vito promises to take care of Johnny Fontanes Hollywood problem in The Godfather

Actor Johnny Fontane seeks Vito's help after famous director Jack Woltz refuses to cast him in a major motion picture. Since Fontane is his godson, Vito promises to take care of the problem and sends his consigliere Tom Hagen to negotiate. Woltz plays hardball by babbling out one of the best monologues in The Godfather so Vito has the director's favorite horse, Khartoum, killed and its bloody head placed on his bed.

As the most feared mobster in New York, Vito is used to always getting his way. Whenever any of his offers are declined, he takes it as a sign of disrespect. As an old-timer, he also understands that being tolerant to disrespect makes a Don look weak. He doesn't just twist Woltz's arm out of his love for Fontane. He does it because he wants to make it clear that he is the type of person to be heard, not argued with.

Peter Clemenza

"Leave The Gun. Take The Cannoli.”

Clemenza and Rocco whack Paulie in The Godfather

Upon learning that his right-hand man Paulie Gatto had a role to play in the attempt on Don Vito Corleone's life, Clemenza has Rocco shoot him inside the car. He then instructs Rocco to take the cannoli he had bought for his wife and leave the gun.

Having known Vito since he was a casual laborer, Clemenza is extremely loyal to him. Loyalty, in general, is highly valued in the mob too hence the reason the capo takes Paulie's betrayal personally. Moreover, Clemenza loves his wife very much which explains why he'd rather leave a gun behind that could be used as evidence by authorities than offend his wife by failing to show up with the cannoli she told him to buy.

Kay Adams

“I Don’t Fear You, Michael. I Just Dread You.”

Kay and Michael reunite after 7 years in The Godfather

Michael and Kay's troubled marriage ultimately comes to an in 1971 and she remarries the lawyer, Douglas Michelson. Years later, they reunite as Michael is being honored by the catholic church. The Don asks her if she still fears him and she has a rather interesting answer.

RELATED: 10 Best Movies Starring Actors From The Godfather Trilogy

As a non-Italian from a white-collar family, Kay never really fit into the world of the Cosa Nostra. During their days as a married couple, she is never at peace with what Michael does for a living. Her discomfort even makes her try to flee with the kids and when they reunite, it is obvious that nothing much has changed.

Michael Corleone

"It's Not Personal, Sonny. It's Strictly Business."

Michael offers to kill McCluskey and Sollozzo in The Godfather

After Captain McClusky and Virgil "The Turk" Sollozzo attempt to whack Vito for refusing to do business with them, Michael offers to kill the duo. Sonny tries to dissuade him but Michael insists that it has to be done.

One of Michael Corleone's best traits is his constant need to be heroic. He also never holds things to his heart. Anyone who is kind to him will be repaid while anyone who tries to offend or cross him will get what's coming. Whatever punitive action he takes is never out of spite. As a former soldier who was awarded the Navy Cross, Michael understands the need to retaliate because when one doesn't do so, the enemy will win.

Tom Hagen

"No Sicilian Can Ever Refuse A Request On His Daughter's Wedding Day."

Consigliere Tom Hagen buys himself a suit for Christmas in The Godfather

During Connie's wedding, Kay wonders why so many people are asking to meet Vito. Corleone's family consigliere, Tom Hagen figures Sicilian's love their daughters so much that they rarely turn down requests when the said daughters are getting married.

While most of the characters in The Godfather shine by being intimidating, Hagen stands out because of his wisdom. There is nothing he doesn't know and that's why he makes such a good consigliere. It's also impressive that he has so much knowledge about Sicilians yet he is of German-Irish descent.

Sonny Corleone

"You Touch My Sister Again And I'll Kill Ya."

Sonny beats up Carlo for assaulting Connie in The Godfather

When Sonny finds out his brother-in-law Carlo Rizzi has been battering his sister Connie, he beats him up and threatens him. The next time Carlo beats Connie, Sonny gets into a car to actually go and kill him but he is ambushed and shot by Barzini's men.

RELATED: The 10 Most Iconic Locations In The Godfather

As the older Corleone sibling, Sonny adores his brother Michael and sister Connie very much. He is constantly seen advising them and cracking jokes with them. He also does his best to ensure no harm comes their way. Brutally dealing with anyone that messes with his brother or sister is something that he would gladly have kept doing if life had given him enough longevity.

Fredo Corleone

"I'm Smart And I Want Respect!"

Fredo talks to Michael about his life in The Godfather

Fredo once complains to Michael that he was passed over for the succession of the throne. Michael assures him that Vito wanted it that way but Fredo adds that everyone disrespects him and considers him dumb.

Fredo's low IQ coupled with his poor decision-making is indeed the reason he gets passed up for opportunities. He spends most of his life trying to prove that he is capable as his brothers and while doing so, he becomes one of the least likable members of the Corleone family. Demanding respect never works hence Fredo lives most of his life as a frustrated man. The disgruntlement eventually drives him to become a traitor.

Connie Corleone

"You Never Gave A Damn About Me."

Connie argues with Michael in The Godfather

Michael orders Clemenza to garrote Carlo to death after learning that he conspired with Barzini to kill Sonny. Despite the fact that Carlo was abusive towards her, Connie yells at Michael, claiming he took her husband from her.

Most of Connie's arcs involve her fighting with Michael. The Don always has her best interests at heart but she never sees it that way, instead choosing to be unreasonable. Even when Michael tries to help her when she wastes her life away in Europe, she still labels him a bad brother. She frequently does things to spite him too, including abandoning her children.

Mary Corleone

"I'll Always Love You."

Vincent and Mary break up in The Godfather

Growing up in the mob doesn't influence Mary to be evil. She remains pure and eventually falls in love with Michael's protege Vincent Mancini. Unfortunately, Michael forces Vincent to break up with her so as to protect her from the dangers of organized crime.

RELATED: The 10 Best Godfather References In Other Movies

Mary's arcs mostly rotate around her relationship with her father and her love for Vincent. Unlike Vincent, who is ready to dump her to achieve his dream of becoming the boss of the family. Mary loves him deeply and can't picture a life without him. In the long run, she is forced to accept that her dreams of a perfect life with Vincent will never amount to anything.

Vincent Mancini

"I Say We Make Him Dead. You Give Me The Order, I'll Take Care Of It."

Vincent suggests killing Zasa in The Godfather

As members of The Commission are having a meeting, Zasa attempts to whack Michael but Vincent saves him. Believing that Zasa will make another attempt, he asks Michael for permission to terminate him.

Vincent worships Michael so much that he spends most of his adult life looking for ways to please him and serve him better. It's this attitude that makes Michael choose him as his successor. He is also very obedient, making sure to efficiently execute any task that Michael gives him. In fact, he is so obedient, that he gives up his relationship with Mary so that he can please Michael.

NEXT: The 10 Best Classic Cars In The Godfather Trilogy