Characters in The Canterbury Tales to Know for Chaucer, English Literature – Before 1670

The characters in The Canterbury Tales showcase a vivid cross-section of medieval society, each representing different social classes and values. Through their stories, Chaucer highlights themes of morality, gender roles, and the complexities of human nature in pre-1670 England.

1. The Knight

   • Represents the ideal of chivalry and honor, having fought in numerous battles.
   • Described as wise, modest, and true, embodying the virtues of knighthood.
   • His character contrasts with others, highlighting the theme of social class and morality.

2. The Miller

   • A bawdy and boisterous character, known for his strength and crude humor.
   • He tells a raucous tale that satirizes the upper class and their pretensions.
   • Represents the working class and the theme of social mobility in medieval society.

3. The Wife of Bath

   • A strong, independent woman who has been married five times, challenging gender norms.
   • Advocates for female sovereignty in marriage and relationships.
   • Her tale explores themes of power, desire, and the complexities of love.

4. The Pardoner

   • A corrupt church official who sells indulgences and exploits the faithful for profit.
   • His character critiques the moral decay within the Church and the hypocrisy of religious figures.
   • Represents themes of greed, deception, and the quest for salvation.

5. The Host (Harry Bailey)

   • The jovial and pragmatic leader of the pilgrimage, serving as a mediator among the pilgrims.
   • Proposes the storytelling contest, setting the framework for the tales.
   • His character reflects the emerging middle class and the importance of community.

6. The Prioress

   • A nun who is more concerned with manners and appearances than spiritual matters.
   • Her tale reflects her values, focusing on themes of innocence and piety.
   • Represents the complexities of religious life and the critique of superficiality.

7. The Nun's Priest

   • A character who tells a fable about a rooster, emphasizing the importance of wit and intelligence.
   • His tale serves as a commentary on the nature of dreams and the folly of pride.
   • Represents the role of storytelling in moral instruction and entertainment.

8. The Merchant

   • A shrewd businessman who is concerned with wealth and social status.
   • His tale reveals the complexities of marriage and the dynamics of power in relationships.
   • Represents the rise of commerce and the changing social landscape of the time.

9. The Clerk

   • A poor scholar who values knowledge and learning over wealth and status.
   • His tale emphasizes the importance of virtue and moral integrity.
   • Represents the intellectual pursuits of the time and the value of education.

10. The Franklin

• A wealthy landowner who enjoys fine food and hospitality, embodying the ideal of the epicurean.
• His tale focuses on themes of generosity and the nature of happiness.
• Represents the growing influence of the gentry and the importance of social status in medieval society.