Modern Family is a mockumentary/sitcom about an extended family – the Dunphys, Pritchett/Tucker, and the Delgado-Pritchetts. Phil, Claire, Luke, Haley and Alex make up the Dunphys, while her brother, Mitch, and his partner, Cam, make up the Pritchett/Tucker family alongside their daughter Lily.
The Delgado-Pritchetts consist of Jay, Mitch and Claire's father, and his trophy-wife, Gloria along with her son, Manny. In later seasons, Jay and Gloria have a child together, Joe. Airing from 2009-2020 Modern Family's consisted of 11 seasons. Throughout Modern Family, fans watched the main characters grow up and mature over the course of a decade.
5 Haley Dunphy Grew Up Fast
Haley Dunphy was introduced at the start of Modern Family as a 16-year-old and eldest child of 3. Haley's portrayed as a stereotypical popular teenager – moody, phone-obsessed and ditzy. She jumps from boyfriend to boyfriend, is very concerned with her appearance, and often embraces her rebellious nature. Haley (played by Sarah Hyland) is a likeable person, constantly teasing her siblings and often clashing with her mom, Claire. Much of the disagreements between Claire and Haley come down to their similarities from when Claire was her age – they both drank underage, both acted irresponsibly, and neither cared much for consequences.
Through Modern Family, Haley's character really develops. She gets kicked out of college for assaulting a cop, but begins to turn things around when she starts a fashion blog, working with fashion designer Gavin Sinclair and for NERP. As Modern Family hits its final seasons, Haley is much more responsible and far more conscious of her future. She ends the show married to Dylan and mother of twins George and Poppy, continuing work and moving into Cam and Mitch's house.
4 Jay Pritchett Overcame His Flaws
Jay Pritchett is Haley, Luke, and Alex's grandfather, Mitch and Claire's father, Gloria's husband, and Manny's stepfather. In season 1, fans see Jay as a tough, old-fashioned guy who struggles to be sentimental or loving, which most of the characters disagree with. Jay really grows through the 11 seasons, and Joe's birth helped him gain a second chance to be a good father.
Jay dropped his tough-love act for the most part, and got in touch with his emotional side more. He shares sweet moments with Manny (taking him to Disneyland) and Lily (coaching her through her nerves at her dance recital), and ultimately ends up resolving issues with Mitch and Claire that stemmed when he was in an unhappy marriage to their mom. Jay begins opening up, explaining his father's toxic masculinity were projected on him and he's actually most envious of Phil, a guy who can be free in himself and happy.
3 Manny Delgado Brought Himself Down To Earth
Manny Delgado starts Modern Family as an adult man trapped in a young boy's body – drinking coffee from a young age, having emotionally intellectual conversations with adults, and a deep interest in literature and theatre all while being a hopeless romantic. As he lives full-time with his mom, and rarely sees his dad, Manny is a mommas-boy and the two are emotionally-reliant on each other.
In season 9, Manny leaves for college and it marks the start of some real character development. Manny becomes more independent (slowly). Through hopeful and failed romances during college, he becomes more comfortable in himself. Manny eventually becomes more sensible in his love life.
2 Alex Dunphy Follows Her Dreams
Alex Dunphy is a nerdy, intelligent, hardworking individual who often finds herself competing with others to be the best. She teases Haley a lot – which sometimes Haley doesn't understand – for being ditzy and irresponsible, but is actually the glue that holds the household together. In season 6, the Dunphy family were having more fun while Alex spent the summer building houses, and they try to get rid of her.
Before she departs, Alex stops the house from burning down, turns Haley's webcam off so she's no longer spied on, and stops her family from eating rhubarb pie – as they hadn't cut the leaves off. Over the seasons, Alex becomes a lot more comfortable in her own skin – which is great for fans to see. She decides to see a therapist to deal with the pressure she puts on herself to perform well at school, and this is a real turning point for her. Alex matures into a well-rounded young woman keen to pursue her career and academic interests.
1 Luke Dunphy Proved He's Smarter Than He Looks
Luke Dunphy was adorable in season 1 of Modern Family – a cheeky, playful child who was closest to Phil. Luke really brings out Phil's childlike side, and the two are often seen taking part in foolish, but fun, activities. As he enters high school, Luke distances himself from Phil, wanting to be more independent and cool – but gets jealous when Phil 'replaces' him with Andy (Joe's male nanny).
Luke Dunphy is considered to be pretty dim, and most of his (usually good) ideas are dismissed when anyone hears the first part – never letting him quite explain himself. But, in season 11, the family take him more seriously and are surprised to learn he had an idea to develop an app. On top of that, Luke got accepted into the University Of Oregon after his year spent working.