Although Michael is often admired by many (including me at times), he is without a doubt the most evil character in the film. We have romanticized his reason for joining the family business, agreeing with his contention that he did it because his father needed him. The truth is, he cold-bloodedly made the decision to kill two men for no other reason than vengeance. He cast his wife out of his home, deprived his children of their mother, and kept his children under his very controlling thumb when they were younger. He manipulated his adopted brother, repaying his loyalty with rude insults. He ordered the murders of his brother-in-law, brother and an old family friend.