Manny

In the day to day life of the “Modern Family”, Manny is a key character who utilizes being a round character, contrasting foil, and subtle sarcasm to convey humor.

Manny is not who many people think he is. His character has many dimensions making him a round character. Manny treats almost every member of his family differently. When Manny is around his mother he is a sweet naïve child who is looking for love. But, when he is around Luke he is a daring kid who is trying to act twice his age. I think Manny is most like a real person in the show. He varies his personality from scene to scene as many people do in real life from situation to situation.

In contrast to Manny’s complex but often slightly feminine and sensitive personality, on the contrary Jay his stepfather is nothing like him. Jay is a manly man who finds himself having trouble relating to Manny. This relationship is often used to make a comic effect. These characters can be considered a foil because they contrast each other. Manny’s complex personality complicates this foil though because in certain situations when not around his mother he displays behavior that would be more characteristic of Jay. For example when they are at the track playing the horses Manny is found talking confidently and intelligently. Jay even admits that he is acting a little like himself.

Manny’s use of sarcasm is very subtle in the show and is often not picked up by the rest of the cast. When Manny talks to his mother he will take advantage of her stupidity and say things out of complete sarcasm. To let the audience know he is not just stupid himself or naïve he will often wink or nod at the camera or explain himself when they cut away to the individual interviews. This aspect of Manny’s character is what produces the most comic effect. He also uses this sarcasm when with Luke. He realizes Luke is not as smart as he is so he says things that can be taken multiple ways. Luke being naïve also interprets Manny in a denotative way. Instead of how Manny often expects to be interpreted.

A lot of people can easily relate with Manny because he is complex and good at manipulating people. Also, subtle sarcasm, contrasting foil between him and Jay, and the round characterization given to him, can be very funny and even lovable.