Canterbury Tales Characters

The Able-Bodied, Great-Hearted Knight

During this time period Knights learned to fight and

serve their lord according to the Code of Chivalry.

Knights were to be courageous in battle and cultured qualities of devoutness, loyalty, courteousness, and generousness.

In the Poem Distinguished man Wise and modest Followed chivalry, truth,

honor, generousness & courtesy

Fought and won over 15 battles

Going on pilgrimage to give thanks

Not the best dressed

During the time

period A Miller is someone

who works in a mill. At first the trades of

the Medieval miller and baker were carried out by the same person. The Medieval miller had a shop near the mill where he baked bread.

In the poem Short-shouldered,

red bearded man Mouth as mighty as

a furnace Master-hand at

stealing grain

The Plowman

During this time period Uses manure from animals to

plow the fields to fertilize the soil

No education needed to be a plowman

Might wake up before dawn to eat breakfast and then work in the fields all day long until nightfall, resting only on Sundays.

In the Poem Wore a tabard He was good and true Living in a peace prompt Helped the poor He would help, but never

would take the money from them.

Merchant DURING THIS TIME PERIOD IN THE POEM A merchant is a

businessperson. Merchant engaged in

retail trade. Merchant sell them

to various customers.

Forking beard motely and buckled boots.

He didn’t mention his name because he owe money to people.

He curried himself so people wouldn’t know he was in debt.

The Lying, Untrustworthy Pardoner

During this time period Pardoners collected money for

the church. This money was suppose to go back into the community through hospitals and roads.

Pardoners encouraged the people to ask for forgiveness, but could not actually hear the confession.

On occasion they would preach, even though they weren’t supposed to.

In the Poem Long blonde hair, bulging eyes, and a

shaved chin. Sang strongly and loudly “Come

hither, love, come home!” Deceiving and untrustworthy He pocketed donations and made

fools of the priest and congregation.

The Unique MonkDuring this time period

In the poem

Rich or poor you can be a monk

Living under strict discipline

Punishment if violation of restrictions

Life commitment Trying to escape a

violent world Trying to live a quiet life

Hunter Rides Horses Wears fancy

clothing(fur) Fat and Bald Going against monks

usual beliefs Manly Not the usual monk

The Frugal, Debt-free Manciple

During this time period• A Manciple buys provisions

for the monastery, college, or other institutions.

• Comes from the Inner Temple.

• In a sense a slave.

In the poem• Illiterate• Knows how to keep a hold on

his money• He buys victuals• Watches the market• Outpaced his learned masters• During a legal case, would

“show them up”• Sometimes bought on credit

or paid cash

The Well-mannered, Whore-like Nun

During this time period Took the vow of poverty,

chastity, and obedience. Nun life consisted of a

regular round of worship, reading, and chores.

Dressed very conservatively from head to toe.

In the Poem Had very good manners Tender-hearted Overly flirty and

entertaining Well-dressed Wore jewelry that conflicted

her dress code

During this time period In the Poem

They spread the word of God during the Middle Ages

No matter their social standing, their life revolved around Christianity and the church

Catholic The Parson was of the Clergy,

which was in the highest estate Spent his day preaching to his

parishioners (gave them money) If the Parson were to be poor, he

would wear everyday clothes and wooden clogs on occasion

He taught others on Christ’s gospel

He put others before himself and remained patient

Gave to poor parishioners even though he was poor himself

He did not stray from his followers

He was humble and did not seek glory

He did not judge He lived by what he taught

The Loyal and Humble Parson

{ {During this time period Doctors were highly

revered for their knowledge in medicine, illnesses, and treatment of such.

Doctors received money in exchange for prescriptions written to apothecaries (pharmacists).

In the Poem Is very skilled in all aspects

of medicine, surgery, and sickness.

Is also fervent in astronomy, possessing in-depth information regarding the stars and planets.

Is very peculiar about money. VERY, VERY peculiar.

The killed, Professional, Penny Pinching Doctor