Ty Burrell's depiction of the round character Phil Dunphy incorporates sensitive disposition, exaggerated reaction and family values in order to create humor through his own responses and those of his family.
A self-proclaimed "dreamer", Phil is extra affected by criticism, especially when given by those close to him. Phil, when confronted by his wife, interrupts "stop! I love your 'I love you', but I'm getting awfully tired of your 'but'", effectively outlining his fragile emotional side claiming Claire, his wife, "squelch[es his] dreams". Again his sensitivity is displayed in reaction to "the devil's trifecta", but his wife and daughters fail to see his sympathetic ways and ironically accuse him for acting otherwise. Being a fan of "leap day", Phil is initially devastated when he cannot execute the plans he had arranged months in advance: Phil did all he could to get his family to come with him to the acrobat lessons, though not even he ended up going. Phil is almost naive in his selective-blindness to reality and his complete faith in good.
Throughout the series, Phil manages to react senselessly to inconsequential situations, such as a doctor's call and the acquired knowledge of the loss of his daughter's virginity. Phil, upon missing a call from his doctor, develops a superstition that he has "a 60% chance of living" and begins to panic. He connects the doctor's call to the inconvenient end of his "lifetime supply" of razors. Expecting his imminent death, Phil tries to spend time with his children, and his extended family is summoned to hear the "bad news". Although nothing ends up being "wrong" with him, Phil still reacts wildly because of assumptions. Similarly, when he learns that his daughter has had sex, Phil responds poorly, saying that she'll "never be the same". "This giant thing" has a massive impact on Phil, and he becomes distant and pensive for the bulk of the day. Finally, with the aid of his wife and daughter, Phil comes to the realization that this development does not change his daughter, or the fact that he loves her.
Phil is a family-oriented man who tries to be the "cool dad" and the good husband. Trying to be relatable does not often work to his advantage, however, the insight he acquires helps him in the end. In his attempts to be empathetic with his wife and daughters when they are menstruating, Phil ends up being in a similar condition—“emotional, hungry and in pain”. Phil asks his son for the “trick to those fake tears” in order to persuade his wife to have sex with him. The character comically incorporates his values and family into his actions, as well as his thoughts.
A humorous effect is helped by Phil’s character by way of his dramatic tendencies and the reactions they evoke from his family. The sensitive manner, overstated responses and familial incorporation all contribute to his characterization as well as the overall comedy of “Modern Family”. Although goofy, Phil is caring and understanding to such an extent that the show has deeper and more insightful undertones beyond the blatant comedy.
