Don Vito Corleone is a fictional character from Mario Puzo's novel "The Godfather," published in 1969. He is the head of the Corleone crime family and is known for his wisdom, power, and influence in the world of organized crime. Don Vito is often depicted as a father figure, balancing his criminal activities with a strong sense of loyalty to his family. In the story, Don Vito is portrayed as a shrewd negotiator who values respect and honor. His character is famously brought to life by actor Marlon Brando in the 1972 film adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The character has since become an iconic symbol of the mafia genre in popular culture.