The Canterbury Tales: The Prologue
A Brief Summary of Some Main Characters
The Knight is a great soldier who fought in many battles. He is dedicated, trustworthy, modest, and gentle.
The Squire is the son of the Knight; he is in his twenties, agile, strong, and a ladies’ man who likes to party.
The Yeoman was the Squire's servant. He was a woodsman, a Robin Hood type character.
The Prioress/Nun spoke French and is seemingly the epitome of a lady but is actually very superficial.
The Monk is bald and fat. He prefers for fine clothes and luxuries and does not like hard work; he enjoys horseback riding.
The Friar takes bribes for easy penance. He knows the taverns and barmaids better than he does the lepers and beggars. He is rather aristocratic, and he lisps.
The Merchant has a forked beard and a motley coat. He is careful with money, a good negotiator, and always tells his opinions about business.
The Clerk is a quiet Oxford student who is unemployed and loves learning for the sake of learning but is a bit socially awkward.
The Cook is a master of his trade and cooks delicious foods, but is physically repulsive to look at.
The Parson is truly Christ-like; patient, giving, holy and virtuous, and doesn’t believe in pomp or fuss.
The Plowman is the Parson's brother. He is an honest worker who pays his taxes on time.
The Miller has a football-player build. He has a red beard, a wart on his nose, and a filthy mouth. He cheats his customers and in his spare time played the bagpipes.
The Summoner has a red face full of sores. He eats onions and drinks too much and thus stinks. He takes bribes.
The Pardoner sings in a strong voice, has long, yellow hair, bulging eyes, is baby-faced and carries a bunch of false relics to sell, such as dog bones that he pretends are the bones or Saints.
The Host’s name is Harry Bailly. He is manly, good-natured, and happy.
The Wife of Bath is large and somewhat deaf, has a red complexion, wears a wide hat and spurs and has been married several times. She knows A LOT about men.
The host proposes a storytelling game to the pilgrims.
The pilgrims agree to place themselves in the host’s hands
