Modern Family
A comedic and heartfelt look at the modern family, ABC’s Modern Family has delighted audiences for over a decade. The show follows the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family and their various family members and provide laughter as well as an honest look at the complexities of family life. With a large and diverse cast of characters, each of whom bring something unique to the table, it can be difficult to identify who are the best characters in the series. In this article, we’ll look at who, according to viewers and critics alike, are the best characters on Modern Family.
Phil and Claire Dunphy- The Cultivated Optimists
Phil and Claire Dunphy are a married couple, played by Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, who take their obligations as parents very seriously and strive to bring balance to their family. Phil is an amiable, if somewhat bumbling optimist, who regularly over-shares embarrassing stories with his two children. Claire is a “supermom” who juggles many pursuits, while also maintaining a marriage with Phil. Together they are a loving couple who are great parents, but also a source of hilarity.
Cam and Mitchell Pritchett- the Devoted Gay Couple
The legacy of Cam and Mitchell Pritchett, portrayed by Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Manfred, will go down in history as one of the greatest sitcom couples of all time. The devoted couple, who have been married for seven years, have a genuinely loving relationship and deeply support one another through thick and thin. They have created a beautiful home for their adopted daughter, Lily, and are passionate about being good role models for her.
Jay Pritchett- the Beloved Patriarch
The beloved patriarch from Modern Family, Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill), brings together the entire family – the Dunphys, the Pritchetts and the Tuckers – within the show. Jay has a distinctive sense of humor, and is notably hilarious in his interactions with his quippy dog “Stella”. He’s also a loving and devoted husband to Gloria and a grandfather to Manny, Joe and Luke. Jay’s role as the family’s anchor, as well as his wry sense of humor, has made him one of the most popular characters on the show by both fans and critics.
Gloria Pritchett- The Over-the-Top Diva
Gloria Pritchett, played by SofÃa Vergara, is Jay’s next-door-neighbour-turned-wife, and the mother of Manny. She is known for her over-the-top diva charm, and her larger-than-life personality. Gloria is incredibly confident and outspoken and has become a fan-favorite character on the show. The comedic contrast between Gloria and Jay’s conservative demeanour has become one of the standout features of Modern Family.
Manny Delgado- the Refined Romeo
Manny Delgado is Gloria and Jay’s son, who is played by Rico Rodriguez. Manny is the oldest and most intellectual child in the family and behaves in a much more mature and composed way than his siblings. He is often the instigator of most of the family’s’ hijinks and loves nothing more than engaging in sophisticated conversations. He also has a romantic streak, which has led him to fall in love with many girls over the course of the show’s run.
Haley and Alex Dunphy- The Opposite Siblings
Haley and Alex Dunphy, played by Sarah Hyland and Ariel Winter, are two opposites who, despite their differences, share a deep bond. The two siblings love to pick on each other, but they eventually come together as they both go through their teenage years. Haley is the more wild child, while Alex is the quieter, academic sister. Alex’s character has made especially significant strides in recent seasons, as she successfully provided a legal brief to save her family’s home.
Luke and Manny Dunphy- The Ever-Evolving Brothers
Luke and Manny Dunphy, played by Nolan Gould and Rico Rodriguez, are Jay and Claire’s two sons and the youngest members of the family. Both brothers have grown and evolved over the show’s decade-long run. Luke has transitioned from an annoying pre-teen to a competent, and even inspirational, young adult. Meanwhile, Manny’s sophisticated nature has been tempered by rebellion, leading to some of the show’s best comedic moments.
Modern Family is a beloved show for so many reasons, not least of all due to the incredible characters that make up the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family. From Phil and Claire’s cultivated optimism, to Cam and Mitchell’s earnest relationship, each of the characters brings something special to the show. Viewers across the world have been fortunate to spend the past ten years watching this remarkable ensemble grow and evolve.
The truth is, it’s impossible to limit the ultimate best characters of this beloved show to just eight. Each of the characters on Modern Family is iconic and lovable in their own right, and it’s easy to see why this show has maintained its popularity over the years.
