Character Analysis of Canterbury Pilgrims

Knight

Distinguished, noble, humble

Squire

Youthful, Lover/"player", "He loved so hotly..." line 99, "In hope to win his lady's grace...

Yeoman

Forester, Talented, good at his job, good forester

Prioress

Head of a group of nuns, Elegant, attractive, manners, pleasant, Wanna-be noble

Monk

Hunter, manly man, Looks past some parts of being a monk, and focuses on the modern world, Sexually untamed (Wanton)

Friar

A member of any of certain religious orders of men, Greedy, wanton, rather promiscuous, "highly beloved and intimate" with country folk within his boundary

Merchant

Trader, Skilled in managing stuff like, "No one knew he was in debt, he seemed so shrewd / and skillful at managing things" (lines 290-291)

Clerk

Student/unemployed, lives simply, devoting time to learning + teaching

Sergeant-of-Law

Business, bargains, and trades. Lawyer, Materialistic, wise, self-important, wary

Franklin

The landowner of free but not of royal descent, Owned land (not rented), "He lived for pleasure and had always done, / For he was Epicurus' very son" (lines 345-346)

Haberdasher

All in a guild fraternity; an organization of people with similar trades, Impressive, trim, fresh, knives were pure silver, each a worthy burgess.

Cook

Chef, ulcer on knee, dirty, gross (uncleanliness is bad because he makes the food)

Sailor

Skilled Navigator, experienced, Ruthless, lacks morality

Physician

Perfect Practicing Physician / Doctor, Ideal, extremely well educated

Wife of Bath

Beautiful, likable, jolly, wealthy, lots of life experience, Had five husbands, and probably looking for another

Parson

A virtuous priest, An ideal/perfect religious man, rich in holy thoughts, scholarly, well-known, kind, devoted, and patient

Plowman

Farmer, Honest, hardworking, charitable

Miller

Miller / operates a mill, Strong, skilled, Dishonest, crude, and vulgar

Manciple

Shrewd, financially savvy, Illiterate but outsmarts educated men

Reeve

Efficient, knowledgeable, Cunning, deceitful

Summoner

He could sing well, Alcoholic/Drunken, Morally Corrupt, Using Blackmail

Pardoner

Pardons people of sins, Good at preaching, Greedy, deceitful, sells fake relics

Host (Harry Bailey)

Host (Innkeeper), Friendly, good leader

Chaucer the Pilgrim

Pilgrim/Narrator, Observant, witty