Captain Mark McCluskey Character Analysis in The Godfather

McCluskey is a corrupt Irish-American police captain who is on the payrolls of both Virgil Sollozzo and the Tattaglias. McCluskey first appears in the novel after Michael calls the police to report the loss of guard detail over Don Vito Corleone, who lies unprotected in the hospital after Sollozzo’s hitmen shoot him. McCluskey arrives on the scene and confronts Michael, who accuses the captain of removing the guards. McCluskey responds by punching Michael in the face, breaking his jaw. A long-time member of the New York City Police Department, whose father was a police sergeant, McCluskey resents his low pay and sees nothing wrong with engaging in “clean graft” so that his kids can attend good colleges. He is an old friend of Bruno Tattaglia through their sons’ university classes and agrees to protect the Tattaglia Family’s drug operations with Sollozzo in exchange for a hefty, ongoing bribe. McCluskey’s association with Sollozzo, however, proves to be his downfall when Michael murders both him and Sollozzo at the Luna Azure Restaurant.

Captain Mark McCluskey Character Timeline in The Godfather

The timeline below shows where the character Captain Mark McCluskey appears in The Godfather. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...what happened to his father’s guard detail, to which one of the officers, Captain Mark McCluskey, angrily responds that he “pulled them off.” (full context)

Michael suspects that Sollozzo was in the first car that drove by, and that McCluskey is on the Turk’s payroll. He concludes that McCluskey called off Don Corleone’s guard detail... (full context)

As Michael reels from McCluskey’s attack, Sonny’s men arrive with a lawyer to guard Don Corleone. The police retreat. Michael... (full context)

Hagen then confirms that McCluskey is indeed on Sollozzo’s payroll and stands to gain “a piece” of the Turk’s drug... (full context)

...extreme measures are justified,” and lays out a plan. He will meet with Sollozzo and McCluskey at a public place that will guarantee his safety. He will go unarmed, but if... (full context)

Captain Mark McCluskey is in his office putting betting slips into envelopes. His raiding parties had confiscated the... (full context)

...Meanwhile, Clemenza instructs Michael on how to shoot the gun he will use to kill McCluskey and Sollozzo. Clemenza warns Michael that the hits will pit the Corleones in a war... (full context)

Sonny finally learns that the meeting between Michael, Sollozzo, and McCluskey will happen at Luna Azure restaurant in the Bronx. Tessio knows the restaurant well and... (full context)

...for Sollozzo’s car to arrive. When it does, Michael finds himself riding with the Turk, McCluskey, and the driver. McCluskey assures Michael that he harbors no hard feelings over their previous... (full context)

McCluskey, Sollozzo, and Michael begin their meeting in the restaurant. The Turk and Michael converse in... (full context)

After conversing for a few more minutes, Michael rises from his chair and shoots both McCluskey and Sollozzo in the head. Michael then flees the restaurant into Tessio’s waiting car. Tessio... (full context)

...questioning Kay about Michael Corleone and his possible connection to the murders of Sollozzo and McCluskey. Kay’s father, Mr. Adams, also greets the detectives. Kay insists, “Mike wouldn’t do anything like... (full context)

...out the circumstantial evidence that ties Michael to the murders, including his argument with Captain McCluskey outside of the hospital and several anonymous informers who have fingered Mike for the crime.... (full context)

...know where he is right now,” Tom tells her. He confirms the detectives’ story about McCluskey breaking Michael’s jaw but denies any link between her fiancé and the murders. “Mike was... (full context)

...clamping down on their “protection” for various mob rackets until they solve the murder of McCluskey. Eventually, however, newspapers print stories containing definitive proof (which Tom Hagen supplies) that links McCluskey... (full context)

After informing Don Corleone about Michael and the murders of Sollozzo and McCluskey, Hagen and Sonny exit Don Corleone’s bedroom to discuss the ongoing war between the Corleones... (full context)

...to ensure protection for mob representatives. When Michael Corleone, for example, met with Sollozzo and McCluskey, the Corleone Family held a Bocchicchio Family member in his place. This ensured Michael would... (full context)

...Family that if Felix (who is doomed anyways) confesses to the murders of Sollozzo and McCluskey, thereby-exonerating Michael, the Corleone Family will provide for Felix’s family for the remainder of their... (full context)

Michael’s facial bones never properly healed after McCluskey’s attack, leaving his left cheek misshapen. Dr. Taza offers to repair it, but Michael refuses... (full context)

...before anything else.” Kay asks if the police apprehended the man who killed Sollozzo and McCluskey, and Michael says that it was reported in the papers. He denies that he was... (full context)