MBTI Type: ENFJ

Unlike his son Michael, Vito sees himself as the “father” of the district he governs. He initially became a mafia don in order to react against the unfair treatment within the community of lesser souls – a woman being forced out of her apartment with nowhere to live or go. This parental role includes Vito trading “favors” because they are all “family.” After his son’s death, Vito appeals to the other dons to cease the violence and end the war, a farce that will buy them more time to discern and end their enemies – he is forthcoming about his feelings, saying that if so much as a bolt of lightning kills Michael, he will see to it a bloodbath ensues. Vito guilt trips the man who comes to him in the opening scene, accusing him of “insulting me” by asking how much it will cost to kill the man who beat up his daughter. He will not do it, until the man asks him nicely for a favor, as the “Godfather.” He then goes on to say they will not murder the man, because objectively his crime is not worth murder, but that he will “pay.” Vito’s inferior Ti shows in his softening up in old age; he has grown too fond of his children and grandchildren and lost his edge, enabling a rival don to put out a hit on him. He reminds Sonny to “never let others know what you are thinking.” Vito is, however, rational enough to know when it’s time to retire—he hands over everything to Michael and abides by his decisions, knowing he has a sharper mind and tactical thinking. Vito is always tactically thinking ahead; his argument about not getting into the drug trade is that a lot of politicians will no longer side with or protect their interests, due to drugs “not being like gambling or women, it’s a dirty business.” He has plans for his son Michael to enter politics and “legitimize” the Corleone family, presumably also why he does not mind his son marrying a girl from a non-Italian family (it’s a way to integrate into the culture and be seen more positively; less like “mafia” people). From one meeting, he discerns that a particular don was behind his assassination attempt. He warns his son whoever approaches him to “make peace” will be his enemy, and a traitor. As a young man, Vito sees how making a power grab can establish his dominance as a don; he sees a way to climb into power and takes it.

Enneagram: 8w9 so/sp

Vito as a young man sees another Italian preying on their people, and sees it as an injustice he needs to stop and a way to gain power. Vito assassinates the man, allows the rumors of his involvement to spread, and then establishes himself as a Godfather to whom others turn for protection. In exchange for favors, of course. He sees no problem with stealing from other racial groups, or exploiting them for the family’s benefit, but does not like to do the same to Italians. When his weepy godson comes to him wanting a part in a movie, Vito slaps him and tells him to man up — then authorizes Tom to get him the part at any cost, by using force and intimidation. He has a quiet sense of strength about him, which comes from his 9 wing. Young Vito simply shows up and expects to get what he wants. His 9 wing is family-oriented and generous (within reason), but as he gets older, he becomes more peace-minded — wanting to forgive those who gunned down his son rather than lash out at them, which causes the other dons to see him as weak and turn him into a target. But it is also his 9 wing which makes his family devoted to him — he is beloved.