ThisAmerican family sitcomis definitely one show that does not fail to humor its viewers.Modern Family, as the title suggests, is about the different nuances of what a “family” is and hence, consists of different variations of family. What makes the showso relatable and funis the way in which it steps away from the trope of a “perfect family” and actually captures the tensions, the disorientation and even the complications of different people being under one roof.Modern Familyalso brings in completely different personas together. From the dad that tries too hard to the tough-love dad and the moms who show off their love in different forms, the viewers might be able to pick their own parents from these characters, in turn, connecting with the series. This list ranks the main characters of the show.
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The middle child of the Dunphy family, Alex is played by Ariel Winter. The reason why Alex takes the last position on this list is because she can be quite a bit cold sometimes and tries to make others look and feel very dumb. Nonetheless, this character is seen as the brains of the Dunphy family. With perfect grades and the ability to speak other languages, Alex is portrayed as a “nerdy” character who is always bickering with her older sister, Haley. The latter seems to make fun of Alex’s lack of popularity, fashion sense and lack of friends, in turn garnering sympathy from the viewers.
Played bySarah Hyland, Haley is the oldest Dunphy child and the one who seems to be getting in trouble the most for her rebellious acts. Interestingly, Haley seems to somewhat take after her mother, which makes Claire worry about her quite frequently. Even though Haley is not the smartest kid, she is definitely street smart and is a second mother of sorts to her siblings. Haley can be quite wild and carefree and takes over the “popular teen” trope. She is definitely Alex’s foil but is also quite funny without even trying.
The youngest Dunphy kid and the most naive one in the family too. Luke isplayed by Nolan Gould, and he does a brilliant job in capturing the character’s development throughout the series. Luke seems to connect easily with his father, Phil, simply because both characters find it easy to occupy themselves with something silly and childish. This particular character constantly finds himself in some absurd position like getting his head stuck in the railings of the staircase, in turn, suggesting that Luke is not very much aware of the consequences of his actions.
Jay’s son andCameron’s husband, Mitchell is a lawyer and is someone who has a complicated relationship with his father. Throughout the series it is made aware that Mitchell finds it difficult to connect with Jay simply because of the latter’s “masculine” expectations of his son. Nonetheless, their relationship progresses throughout the series. Mitchell can be quite professional at times and is shown as the opposite of his partner. However, this contrasting nature is also what makes their family so beautiful. It is also fascinating to see Mitchell learn of his own flaws and develop his persona. Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s performance as Mitchell allows the character to be comical.
Played byEd O’Neill, this character can be problematic at times. However, Jay is also one of the characters with brilliant character development. Even though Jay, being the head of the Pritchett family and Gloria’s husband, is shown as a tough-love guy who is also very much a toxic masculine, he learns to accept the differences of his children and becomes a more caring father. Moreover, even though Jay might come off as the villain to his children at times, it is revealed that he has one of the biggest hearts and is willing to be the bad guy to save his children from disappointment.
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Gloria’s son from her previous marriage and Jay’s stepson, Manny is a bundle of love and is someone who is not afraid to express his affection. Even though this vulnerable nature of Manny has brought him heartbreak, he reminds the viewers why its important to not change oneself, Manny’s relationship with his mother is one of the most beautiful portrayals of mother-son relationships in the series. Manny is also portrayed as someone who is an old soul and who is very much aware of the importance of building strong bonds. Played by Rico Rodriguez, this character easily wins everyone’s hearts.
Played by Julie Bowen, Claire is an unorthodox mom and is one character that allows the moms at home to relate their own experiences to the show. She portrays the chaotic nature of being a mom while showing how hard it can be to look after three children and a childish husband. Nonetheless, she goes on to prove that even if she takes some tough love approaches, she ends up saving her children’s days. The way in which Claire has sacrificed her career to be a stay-at-home mother and her return to work sends out the message of how women make tough choices and how it is never too late to pursue one’s passion. Her ability to be savagely funny and sarcastic is one reason why the show, as a whole, is comical.
Claire’s husband and the father of Alex, Haley and Luke, Phil is one parent that tries to dissolve the gender norms assigned to father figures. Phil tries hard to be the “cool dad”, which can be quite cringey for his children at times. The way in which he makes an active effort to connect to his children while, at the same time, tries to keep up the flame in his relationship with Claire, shows how he isone of the best father figuresin American sitcom history. The reversal of roles between Phil and Claire that takes place when Claire enters the career world again shows how being a father is not all about making money. His love for gossip and spas allows him to break gender barriers.
Yet another character breaking gender stereotypes, Cameron, played by Eric Stonestreet, is Mitchell’s husband and the overprotective father of Lily and Rexford. Cameron is one character who easily gets hurt and emotional and is nor afraid to show it, in turn, reminding the viewer how the display of emotions can be beautiful. Cameron’s constant attempts at being the perfect father to Lily, and later Rexford, might end up distressing him, but it’s also a reason why he is one of the funniest characters on the show. Cameron is also obsessed with clowns and might end up making it awkward for people around him. But he is all about expressing love and being the center of attention, which makes him so lovable.
Played by Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, Lily was adopted by Mitchell and Cameron from Vietnam and is the main reason why Jay was able to easily connect with his son. This sassy and savage character always makes the viewers erupt in laughter and is not afraid to be herself. She is also not afraid of questioning the adults or making comments that always give them heart attacks. She comes off as someone who perfectly portrays the stereotypical only child, in turn, having issues with things like sharing. Nonetheless, she grew up to overcome these flaws.
