Modern Family: Why Manny Is Actually The Show’s Main Character

Modern Family follows several characters, all a part of one big family, in their daily lives. Everyone certainly has their individual characteristics and aspects, but perhaps in the mix of people, therein lies one main character. Manny could certainly fit the bill for the role, considering his unique background, individual perspective, personality traits, and more. He’s very mature and responsible for his age, and he’s certainly wise beyond his years.

He often helped his family members, and over time, grew close with them following his mother’s marriage to Jay. Manny didn’t always have an easy road, but it shaped him into a truly great person that made a big impact on the lives of those around him.

10 He’s A Good Sibling

Claire was famous for torturing Mitchell when they were kids. Haley and Alex can usually be found fighting, and they would usually tease Luke mercilessly as well. Lily was shown not to be fond of the idea of having a sibling for some time before Rexford came along.

However, Manny is different with Joe. He took the time to take care of and teach his little brother things, and to ensure he and Joe had a good relationship despite their age difference.

9 His Relationship With Gloria

Claire, Phil, Mitchell, and Cam aren’t necessarily as close with their kids as Gloria is with Manny. The two of them are best friends, not unlike Rory and Lorelai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls. 

They had been through a lot together prior to the beginning of the series, and their bond was unbreakable. Even after Gloria has Joe, she still maintains a close relationship with Manny. The two are always there for each other, no matter what.

8 He’s Extremely Creative

Manny’s quirks and eccentricities certainly complement his creative side. Manny loves the arts and knows a great deal about them, especially music and literature. He’s also a writer and worked extremely hard to make sure he was proud of his creative endeavors.

Considering all his experiences in his blended family, he could’ve gone onto write about them in his own book series or something of the like. If told from his perspective, it could certainly make him the show’s main character. In theory, anyway.

7 He’s Not Afraid To Be Himself

Whether he wants to celebrate his cultural heritage, talk about literature, or express his feelings, Manny never shies away from being himself. He doesn’t pretend to be someone that he’s not, and he’s content with who he is, which is something his family members often struggle with themselves.

He’s eccentric and quirky, but he wouldn’t have it any other way; his confidence and contentment with who he is, is very admirable, and it makes him stand out from the rest of his family members.

6 He’s Responsible

Manny doesn’t try to get out of his responsibilities; instead, he tends to look forward to them. He handles life like a grown-up, even from a very young age, showing how mature he is.

This is definitely a different personality aspect compared to the other children on the show, those being Haley, Alex, Luke, and Lily. Manny appreciates the need for responsibilities and getting them done, and doesn’t complain about it.

5 He Takes Care Of Others

It’s a natural instinct for Manny to help someone in need. He often took care of himself and his mom when it was just the two of them, and he continues on with his selfless nature once he joins his new family.

He helps out where he can, whether it’s reminding Jay to call Mitchell on his birthday, comforting someone after they’ve been hurt, or offering advice and solace. He’s a rock in the family circle, reliable and comforting.

4 He’s Wise

Manny’s wisdom certainly comes in handy, and it was definitely hard-earned. He and Gloria didn’t have an easy life prior to Gloria meeting Jay, and Manny learned several valuable life lessons because of it.

His wisdom is important, considering it allows him to see through schemes (often to the consternation of his family members) and come up with solutions to problems more easily.

3 He Didn’t Join The Family By Choice

Manny is unique in the sense that he basically had to accept being part of a family that he didn’t necessarily choose. He was always polite, of course, and he tried his best, but he and Jay did struggle in the beginning. While Gloria, Cam, and Phil married into the family, Manny didn’t, and he wasn’t born into it, either.

His unique circumstance makes him stand out as a character and certainly provided him with certain insights into the family. He did eventually become close with several of them, but it took time and adjustments.

2 Manny Is Often A Guide

Manny is good at giving advice and having adult conversations, whether it’s with fellow kids or actual adults. He helps several family members with their struggles; early on, he helped Claire understand why she was struggling in her relationship with Alex, and he sounded very mature and wise for his age as he offered his step-sister some insight.

Rest assured, the family knows that if they need something resolved, they can go to Manny, who is both a good listener and problem solver.

1 Manny Was Exposed To More Hardships

Manny initially grew up poor, with his mother driving a taxi for a living. His father also left them, and until Gloria married Jay, Manny lacked a father figure in his life.

Manny has been exposed to more hardships in life than the Dunphy or Tucker-Pritchett kids in that regard; plus, he also had to adjust to a new blended family, and later the addition of a half-brother in Joe. His experience is like no other in the family and certainly would qualify towards making him the show’s main character.

About The Author

Kacie Lillejord
(373 Articles Published)

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A Seattle native, Kacie has loved entertainment in the forms of books, films, television and music since day one. Inspired by a filmmaker relative, Kacie has been pursuing a career in the film and television industry in Los Angeles ever since. A graduate of The University of Arizona, Kacie has written for her college newspaper The Daily Wildcat, Harness Magazine, 25YL, and now has added Screen Rant to her resume. She loves writing and all things pop culture.

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