Originally Posted by The Last Woltz
I think one of the themes of the Trilogy (and GFII in particular) is people lying to themselves.

Michael believes he can become legitimate while running the nation's top Mafia Family.

Kay tells herself that the Family will be legitimate within 5 years.

Roth thinks he can rule his empire forever.

And Fredo tells himself that he can take sides against the Family and somehow end up more powerful and respected.

They were all wrong and they were all doomed to suffer a violent death or the violent death of those closest to them
A few more, not quite in the same league! as yours though -

Vito believes his no to Sollozzo drug deal and then sending Luca over to Tattaglias will find what they have under their fingernails

Vito believes after the Baptism, Moe Greene, Carlo murders Michael can live a 'legitimate' life

Woltz acts he is bigger than the Corleones and wakes up with his prized horse Khartoum's head

Greene thinks he can slap a Corleone around, insult another Corleone and somehow keep the hotel

Carlo thinks he can lure Sonny to his murder and somehow end up as Michael's right hand man in Nevada

Turncoat Tessio believes he can set his Don up to be murdered and another Don will embrace him into their family