Modern Family Character Analysis

Amelia Maloney

Comic Spirit E

Character Analysis

            In the popular sitcom Modern Family, Phil Dunphy, played by Ty Burell, adds to the comic effect of the series by providing humorous actions, a tendency to over react, and qualities that foil other characters in order to show what goes on in a dysfunctional family. 

            Phil Dunphy is an adult, but in most episodes he can act like his son, Luke, by making lame jokes, such as “Quick, what's my favorite hospital food? Jellooo.”  He makes the show very funny and entertaining and is probably one of the most laid back characters in the series.  His jokes are lame, but that is what makes his personality so goofy and pleasant.  Without Phil being who he was or his puns, “It's Leap Day, not sleep day!” the show would be really boring and would really have no comic effect to it.  In one of the episodes, Phil is planning to go trapezing with his family, and when talking about it, he says it’s “easy trapezy.”  All of Phil’s lame jokes and funny puns are what makes the show worthwhile to watch and they are a really important part of the comic effect of the show. 

            Phil is also known to over react to little things that are really not that big of a deal.  When his wife and two daughters are on the same “cycle,” on Leap Day, Phil expresses his feelings, “It happened. Satan's trifecta. The day I most dreaded had fallen on the day I most loved.” He obviously does not need to react this way, but his emotions in this situation are what make the show enjoyable and funny.  In one of the episodes, he is determined on getting an iPad, and his excitement shows, “Who's ready for the first day of the rest of their lives?”  This line is funny because he is looking forward to getting a new piece of technology, something that not everyone gets this hyped up for.  Whenever Phil overreacts to something small, the episode is more enjoyable to watch and usually can get a few laughs.

            Compared to other characters in the show, Phil is sometimes seen as the complete opposite of someone in his family.  His father-in-law, Jay, is more of a masculine figure than Phil is, and their conversation about something that Phil is wearing shows this foil, “Jay asks what he is wearing and Phil says, “Onion goggles. No more tears. Welcome to the 21st Century. You should get a pair.” "I was just about to suggest the same thing” is what Jay responds with, which shows the jokes  between the two characters.  Jay sometimes jokes around with Phil, such as when Phil says “Who is your son-in-law?” and Jay responds with “Phyllis!” and this is what makes the show funny because Phil and Jay are family and their jokes add to the comic effect.  The differences between characters, especially Phil and Jay add to the funny part of the show.  The viewers of the show obviously find their jokes to be funny, and that is another important part to the show. 

            With all of his funny, opposite, and over exaggerated qualities, Phil Dunphy is what makes Modern Family an entertaining show.  Without the help of his presence, the show would not be as funny or enjoyable to watch.  He would be considered as a round character because he is always expressing different feelings.  He can also be considered as a foil to jay because Jay is more protective and at times more masculine.  Phil is a great addition to the show and he can make any episode funny.