Why did he have Fredo killed? The question assumes that Michael is some kind of hero. While it's true that he is the protagonist of the film, I think you have misplaced your sympathies. Michael is a sensitive man who is corrupted by his misplaced loyalty to his "family". The tragedy of "The Godfather" is the descent of a recognizable human being into an immoral monster, capable of and indeed willing to have his brother murdered. In a world where murder for revenge is an acceptable answer for anything, we are all lost. It is that terrifiying message that makes the film such a great and powerful experience, not simply a good guy vs. bad guy melodrama. Gene Stavis School of Visual Arts - NYC