Ugly Betty revolves around main character Betty Suarez (America Ferrera), an unglamorous young woman, and the challenges she faces working at MODE, a fashion magazine. Justin Suarez is introduced as Betty's 11-year-old nephew, the flamboyant and fashion-obsessed son of her older sister Hilda (Ana Ortiz). Justin is thrilled when Betty is hired as the personal assistant of Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius), editor-in-chief of MODE. Originally estranged from his father Santos, Justin reunites with him when Hilda begins to date him once again. Santos (Kevin Alejandro) originally struggles to accept Justin's effeminate ways, but their relationship gradually improves. Although Justin's mother, aunt and grandfather Ignacio (Tony Plana) assume that Justin could potentially be gay, his sexual orientation goes largely unaddressed, apart from occasional hints due to his behavior and interests. Despite his family's support, Justin opts to keep his attraction to boys secret from them, instead choosing to confide in Betty's openly gay co-worker Marc St. James (Michael Urie), who becomes a friend, mentor and "surrogate big brother" to the young Justin.
