Baron Georg von Trapp stands as the patriarch of the von Trapp family. A retired Austrian naval officer, he previously held the rank of captain and became a widower with seven children following the death of his first wife, Agatha. Initially reserved and maintaining a strict household, he deeply cares for his children but struggles to express warmth openly, especially after their mother's passing.

He hires Maria Kutschera specifically as governess for his daughter Maria, who is recovering from scarlet fever; she is not initially engaged for all the children. Maria's presence gradually softens the household atmosphere. Georg develops respect and affection for her, leading to their marriage. This union expands the family with the birth of Johannes during the series finale; later children historically include Rosmarie and Eleonore.

Georg's naval background instills discipline and patriotism. He demonstrates unwavering loyalty to Austria and principled opposition to Nazism after the 1938 Anschluss. He refuses multiple Nazi demands: declining to fly the Nazi flag at his home, rejecting a naval command offer, and refusing to perform at Hitler's birthday celebration. His resistance stems from anti-Nazi convictions and concerns over the regime's anti-religious policies.

Facing political threats, Georg orchestrates the family's departure from Austria. They exit by train to Italy, leveraging his Italian citizenship from birth in Zadar, not via an escape over the Alps. The journey continues to London and ultimately America, where the family establishes themselves as the "Trapp Family Singers" for their livelihood.

Throughout the series, Georg evolves from a grieving widower focused on maintaining order into a protective father prioritizing his family's safety and moral integrity over material possessions or status. His leadership remains foundational to the family's cohesion during their transition from Austria to their new life abroad.