The Godfather: Vito's Decision to Exclude Fredo from Becoming Underboss

In the classic film adaptation of The Godfather, the aftermath of Sonny's death sees Tom Hagen stepping into the role of Underboss, a position that

Vito's Consideration for the Underboss Role

Following the tragic death of Sonny Corleone, Vito Corleone, the patriarch of the Corleone family, faced a critical decision regarding the leadership structure of the criminal enterprise. Initially, Tom Hagen took on the role of Underboss, supported by Vito due to his trust and competence. However, Vito's preference for Tom over his son, Fredo, was more than just a personal choice; it was driven by a desire for leadership that demonstrated both competence and loyalty.

Vito viewed Fredo as unreliable and inexperienced, essentially labeling him as an errand boy. This assessment was rooted in Fredo's inability to make crucial decisions and his lack of knowledge about the family's operations. Despite being more physically vulnerable, Vito's trust was unwavering in his friend and educated confidant, Tom Hagen.

Fredo's Incompetence and Exclusion

During this pivotal moment, Fredo, despite his attempts to distance himself from his family's criminal activities, was perceived as an incompetent figure. His naivety and lack of decision-making skills made him unsuitable for any significant role within the Corleone organization. Vito's words, "Fredo has a good heart, not underboss material," clearly echoed his decision to keep Fredo out of such critical positions.

Additionally, the decision to exclude Fredo from any influential role in the Corleone family was cemented by the lack of ongoing financial and operational knowledge. Unlike his legitimate counterparts and even his new Underboss, Tom Hagen, Fredo's exposure to the intricacies of the family business was minimal, making him an unsuitable candidate for such a demanding role.

The Role of Michael in Fredo's Exclusion

Although Michael Corleone would eventually appoint his older brother Fredo as sottocapo, the title was more symbolic than functional. This appointment was made with the understanding that Fredo had no real power or influence within the organization. Unfortunately, Freddy's naive actions led to his own downfall, as he unwittingly provided insider financial information to Johnny Ola, which set Michael up for a dangerous situation involving Ola and Hyman Roth. This sequence of events eventually led to Fredo's expulsion from the family and, tragically, his death at the hands of Al Neri, acting on Michael's orders.

Vito's Trust in His Chosen Underboss

During the period preceding Santino's death, Vito, although not at full capacity, still entrusted Tom Hagen with significant responsibilities. Despite being an outsider, Tom Hagen's reliability and understanding of the family's business were crucial. Vito's trust in Tom over Fredo was a testament to his deeper understanding of the family's needs and the critical importance of having a strong, capable Underboss capable of handling the heavy responsibilities.

It is clear that Vito's decision to exclude Fredo from the Underboss role was based on a comprehensive assessment of his capabilities and potential. The film's portrayal of Fredo as something akin to an 'idiot' is a later interpretation, whereas the book, which provides a different perspective, describes Fredo differently. Nevertheless, the movie's portrayal remains faithful to the character's weaknesses portrayed during their core narrative.

In conclusion, Vito Corleone's decision to not consider Fredo for the Underboss role was a calculated one, rooted in a deep understanding of his son's limitations and the critical role that needed to be filled by a loyal and competent successor to maintain the family's renown and dominance in the criminal underworld.