"The Last Don" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Last Don" by Mario Puzo, a gripping tale of power, family, and revenge, the characters play significant roles in shaping the narrative and exploring the depths of the Mafia world. The key characters include the powerful Mafia boss Don Domenico Clericuzio, his nephew Cross De Lena, his son Dante Clericuzio, his daughter Rose Marie Clericuzio, and his grandson Giorgio Clericuzio. Other important characters include Boz Skannet, Lenny Sands, Turi Guiliano, and the late Aprile Clericuzio.

Character Descriptions

Don Domenico Clericuzio

Don Domenico Clericuzio, also known as "The Last Don," is the patriarch of the Clericuzio family and the head of a powerful Mafia empire. He is a shrewd and calculating man who values loyalty and family above all else. Despite his ruthless nature, Don Clericuzio is portrayed as a complex character with a strong sense of honor and a desire to protect his family's legacy.

Cross De Lena

Cross De Lena, the nephew of Don Clericuzio, is a loyal enforcer for the family. He is a tough and ruthless individual, known for his violent nature and unwavering loyalty to his uncle. Cross is feared by many, and his actions often shape the course of events in the story.

Pippi De Lena

Pippi De Lena is Cross's sister and Don Clericuzio's niece. She is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who is fiercely protective of her family. Pippi plays a vital role in the story, using her intelligence and resourcefulness to navigate the dangerous world she finds herself in.

Dante Clericuzio

Dante Clericuzio is Don Clericuzio's son and heir to the family empire. He is a complex character torn between his loyalty to his father and his desire to forge his own path. Dante's journey throughout the book is one of self-discovery and the struggle for power within the family.

Rose Marie Clericuzio

Rose Marie Clericuzio is Don Clericuzio's daughter. She is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent woman who is not afraid to challenge the traditional roles assigned to women in the Mafia world. Rose Marie's character arc revolves around her desire for power and control within the family.

Giorgio Clericuzio

Giorgio Clericuzio is Don Clericuzio's grandson and the son of Dante. He is introduced as a troubled young man seeking revenge for the death of his father. Giorgio's journey throughout the book explores themes of vengeance, redemption, and the burden of family legacy.

Boz Skannet

Boz Skannet is a Hollywood producer who becomes entangled in the Clericuzio family's business. He is depicted as a cunning and manipulative individual who uses his connections to further his own interests. Boz's character adds a layer of intrigue and betrayal to the story.

Lenny Sands

Lenny Sands is a famous actor who becomes involved with the Clericuzio family. He is seduced by the power and wealth associated with the Mafia world but soon finds himself caught in a web of deceit and danger. Lenny's character highlights the corrupting influence of fame and the consequences of getting involved with the wrong people.

Turi Guiliano

Turi Guiliano is a Sicilian bandit who forms an alliance with Don Clericuzio. He is portrayed as a charismatic and fearless individual who becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive forces in Sicily. Turi's character showcases the intersection of politics and organized crime in the book.

Aprile Clericuzio

Aprile Clericuzio, the late son of Don Clericuzio, is a pivotal character in the story. Although he is deceased at the beginning of the novel, his death sets off a chain of events that drive the narrative forward. Aprile's character serves as a catalyst for the power struggles within the Clericuzio family.

Character Traits

The characters in "The Last Don" exhibit a range of traits that contribute to the complexity and depth of the story. Don Domenico Clericuzio is characterized by his intelligence, ruthlessness, and unwavering commitment to his family. Cross De Lena is known for his loyalty, violence, and fearsome reputation. Dante Clericuzio is torn between his sense of duty and his desire for independence. Rose Marie Clericuzio is characterized by her strength, ambition, and defiance of traditional gender roles. Giorgio Clericuzio is driven by his thirst for revenge and his struggle to find his place within the family. Boz Skannet is cunning, manipulative, and driven by his own self-interest. Lenny Sands is seduced by the allure of power and fame but ultimately pays the price for his involvement with the Clericuzio family. Turi Guiliano is charismatic, fearless, and represents a symbol of rebellion. Aprile Clericuzio's character is defined by his tragic death, which sets the events of the novel in motion.

Character Background

The characters in "The Last Don" come from a world deeply rooted in organized crime. Don Domenico Clericuzio hails from Sicily and emigrated to America, where he built a powerful Mafia empire. Cross De Lena, Pippi De Lena, Dante Clericuzio, and Rose Marie Clericuzio are all born into the family, growing up surrounded by the influence and power of the Mafia. Giorgio Clericuzio, the youngest generation, is introduced to the dark world of organized crime after the murder of his father. Boz Skannet and Lenny Sands, outsiders to the Mafia, are drawn into the family's web of power and betrayal through their involvement in the entertainment industry. Turi Guiliano, a Sicilian bandit, forms an alliance with Don Clericuzio, bringing a different perspective to the story. The characters' backgrounds shape their motivations, actions, and relationships within the narrative.

Character Arcs

The characters in "The Last Don" undergo significant character arcs throughout the story. Don Domenico Clericuzio begins as a powerful and respected Mafia boss but is faced with challenges to his authority and the need to protect his family's legacy. Cross De Lena's character arc explores his unwavering loyalty to his uncle and his eventual transformation as he navigates the dangerous world of organized crime. Dante Clericuzio's arc involves his struggle for independence and his journey to find his own identity within the constraints of the family. Rose Marie Clericuzio's arc revolves around her desire for power and her defiance of traditional gender roles. Giorgio Clericuzio's character arc is driven by his thirst for revenge and his journey towards redemption. Boz Skannet's arc is characterized by his manipulation and self-interest, leading to his ultimate downfall. Lenny Sands undergoes a transformation from a naive actor to a pawn in the dangerous world of the Mafia. Turi Guiliano's arc portrays his rise as a rebel leader and his eventual demise. Aprile Clericuzio's character arc is cut short by his tragic death, but his legacy continues to shape the events of the novel.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "The Last Don" are complex and often marked by power struggles, loyalty, and betrayal. Don Domenico Clericuzio's relationships with his nephew Cross, his son Dante, and his daughter Rose Marie form the core of the story. Cross's loyalty to his uncle is unwavering, and their relationship is marked by mutual respect and a shared understanding of the Mafia world. Dante's relationship with his father is fraught with tension as he seeks to establish his own identity. Rose Marie challenges her father's authority and fights for her place within the family. Giorgio, the youngest generation, forges his own path and seeks revenge for his father's death. Boz Skannet and Lenny Sands become entangled in the Clericuzio family's business, leading to complicated relationships and betrayals. Turi Guiliano forms a powerful alliance with Don Clericuzio, showcasing the complex dynamics between organized crime and politics. Aprile Clericuzio's relationship with his family is explored through the consequences of his death and the impact it has on the other characters.

In conclusion, "The Last Don" by Mario Puzo is a captivating novel that delves into the intricate world of the Mafia. The characters are richly developed, each playing a significant role in the narrative. From the powerful and calculating Don Domenico Clericuzio to the loyal enforcer Cross De Lena, each character brings a unique perspective to the story. The character traits, backgrounds, and relationships shape their individual journeys and contribute to the complex web of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Mario Puzo's masterful storytelling creates a compelling character-driven narrative that explores themes of family, honor, and the consequences of living a life of organized crime.