Canterbury Characters Prologue

Represents the ideal medieval man-at-arms. The narrator respects him a lot. He is the first character described by Chaucer.

Represents the ideal medieval man-at-arms. The narrator respects him a lot. He is the first character described by Chaucer.

Knight

Was a seamstress by profession. Has been married five times, but has had countless "interactions" with members of the opposite sex. Considered a "worthy woman" despite her flaws.

Woman of Bath

Collected profits for himself. Excelled in the art of fraud. Long, greasy, yellow hair; beardless. Has a gift for singing and preaching.

Pardoner

Has an ugly wart on his nose. Has a big mouth (both figuratively and literally).

Miller

The narrator is somewhat sarcastic about this character. She knows broken French, has "dainty" but suspicious table manners, and is somewhat hypocritical with her facade of being the holiest of nuns.

Nun

Cared little for the Rule of being a holy man. Devoted to hunting and eating. Large, loud, and clad in hunting gear. Chaucer was not a fan of his hypocrisy.

Munk

Would be considered a "player" in today's society. Hangs with barmaids and innkeepers (Better than lepers, beggars, and that crew) Accepted bribes, but presided over marriages and confessions in his town.

Friar

Was a victim of leprosy. A drunk, is irritable, and isn't exactly qualified for his position. A shouts out what little Latin he knows to sound intelligent. Chaucer REALLY doesn't like this guy.

Summoner

The leader of the group. Critics have said that Geoffrey Chaucer based this character around his own personality, as he has the best character of all of the pilgrims and everyone respects and likes him.

Host

Truly the holiest of the holy characters described, this character is poor materially, but rich spiritually and morally. He practices what he preachers. The narrator respects him as what a true priest should represent.

Parson

The Knight's son. Ladies' man. Still trying to figure out what he's doing with his life. Somewhat humors the Narrator with his naivety.

Squire

A poor student. Studies philosophy. Is a man of few words, but when he speaks, they are wise words.

Clerk

Successful lawyer and is commissioned by the king. Upholds justice and knows every statute by heart. Really pompous.

Man of Law

Is much smarter than the lawyers he supports. Collects provisions and caters for court meetings. The narrator respects him for his hard work ethic and good morals.

Manciple

Trades furs and cloths. Wants people to think he's wealthy, but "no one knows he's in debt". Wears "motley clothing".

Merchant

The pirate of group, but the narrator respects him. What you see is what you get, and there was no lying or hypocrisy from this guy. Has sailed ever port and every bay in Europe. Plays a large part in Gilligan's Island.

Skipper

Has a special love of gold.  Wears "blood-red" garment lined with bluish-grey taffeta.  Works closely with apothecary.

Doctor

Kept his home open to anyone in the town to come and join him for dinner or lunch. Was a very pleasant man to people; people liked him, but he was very particular and somewhat rude about his attention to wine and food. The narrator saw right through him.

Franklin

Manages a large farming estate, he often stole from his master. Performed his job shrewdly. Rides in the back of the group

Reeve

The only group of people characterized together. Hardworking men, but their wives bragged about them without their consent.

Guildsmen

The Parson's brother. Pays his tithes to the Church and leads a devout Christian life. Is a member of the peasant class.

Plowman

Cooked the food. Used the pus from his ulcer as a special ingredient for his soup. Nice and salty

Cook

A servant to the Knight and Squire. An archer and dressed and equipped as a forester.

Yeoman

Where they begin their journey

Tabard in in Southwark

Geoffrey Chaucer

Author of Canterbury Tales