Michael is the youngest son of Vito Corleone, the powerful head of the Corleone crime family. Initially distancing himself from his family's criminal activities, Michael serves as a Marine during World War II and aspires to a legitimate future. However, after an attempt on his father's life, Michael gradually becomes involved in the family's operations. As the story progresses, Michael transforms from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless leader, eventually assuming control of the Corleone family.