re: Godfather question that's always bothered me

quote:

---

Don't you talk about Fredo! He's probably the most "normal" of the kids, and I like that of the 3 of 4 screwed up kids, you exclude the total sociopath. Mike is pretty much pure evil. He's the godfather without that love of family thing.

Fredo has jealousy issues, sure. He's just not a criminal at heart. He's a good natured guy who just wants to go fishing with the kids. He had no place in the criminal underworld. Fredo nurtured the goodness in himself, and only really saw the good in others. Unfortunately, he lived in reality in which most people had little to no goodness.

Fredo is the tragic hero of the first two films.

---

This is a perfect summation. Michael is the only protagonist who undergoes the hero change in reverse. At least I can't think of any main characters who do that. Not like a fall from grace, tragic hero thing.

Soeaking of Godfather questions, why does Michael look up Kate after being gone for so long? Is it convenience? That's the only answer I ever came up with. He shows up after years and wants to marry her because he is ready to start a family. And she is the most convenient option.