Name & Period ______________________________________________
Characters from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (pp. 119-142 in the green Holt book)
Adapted from http://quizlet.com/53742/the-canterbury-tales-characters-flash-cards/
Cook: Proficient at every aspect of his craft, ulcer on his knee
Doctor: Contrives with pharmacists to make money, knew the elements (earth, water, air, fire) and how to use them to
diagnose patients, "special love of gold"
Franklin: Wealthy landowner, not of noble birth, generous, good host, had been a member of parliament, royal tax
collector (sheriff)
Friar: Did not follow religious order (most were beggars with poverty and simplicity the ideas of their orders), found
husbands and dowries for young women he had seduced, did not like dealing with "scum,” had a lisp, named Hubert
(Guildsmen): Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, and Carpet-maker, all in the same fraternal organization,
freemen, wealthy wives want to become alderman.
Host:
Knight: Followed Chivalry, had been in many battles, jousted and killed "his man" three times, wise, modest, "true,” a
perfect gentle knight, fine horses but...not gaily dressed was going to give thanks.
Poet/Narrator:
Manciple: Administrator in charge of providing food for lawyers who lived and trained at London's inn of court,
illiterate, in practical, matters was smarter that the lawyers.
Merchant: Self-involved, "Was in debt,” more interested in appearance, of wealth and status than honesty.
Miller: Big man, very strong and ugly, stole grain, played bagpipes.
Monk: "hunting with his sport," might become an abbot someday, violates religious vows forthrightly and outrageously,
owned greyhounds, lavishly dressed.
Nun: "prioress," refined, elegant, pretentious, had several small dogs, not primarily interested in her religious duties,
wears a brooch that may have had a pagan saying on it, was accompanied by another nun and three priest
Oxford Cleric: Extreme poverty, student of philosophy, "tone of moral virtue"
Pardoner: Official authorized to sell indulges (church pardons) for their sins, self-interest.
Parson: "Never was a better priest,” humble parish priest, model of Christian service gives away his income, taught
Christ "but followed it himself before"
Plowman: Honest work, very moral and spiritual, works the soil
Reeve:
Sergeant at the law (or Lawyer): specializes in deeds, did not take cases he could not win.
Skipper: Complexion indicates sea faring life, ignores conscience in battle, widely traveled.
Squire: Son of the knight, 20 years old, been in the cavalry, opposite of his father in appearance, sang, recited poetry,
jousted, dance, draw, write, and love
Summoner:
Wife of Bath: Somewhat deaf, always had to be first to give at church (shows vanity and childish and need for attention)
"had five husbands,” made 3 pilgrimages to Jerusalem, wants to attract men, pleasant and easy-going nature.
Yeoman: "a proper forester,” carried bow and arrows, was weathered, wore a medal of St. Christopher