Canterbury Tales

Franklin

This character is a connoisseur of food and wine. "His house was never without baked dishes, both fish and meat, and these so plenteous that it seemed to snow food and drink in his house." No one seems to know where he gets the money for his occupation, but judging from his waistline, it is not in short supply.

Friar

This character is perhaps the most corrupt clergyman on the pilgrimage. This pilgrim found husbands and dowries for women he himself seduced. This pilgrim is familiar with all the taverns in the area, and parties quite a bit for a religious man. He is a good beggar because he makes people feel guilty, so they give him money

Sergeant of the Law

This character upholds justice in matters large and small. He is an officer of the court.

Parson

This pilgrim is a clergyman who lives in the country. This pilgrim is meant to be seen as a model of good religious conduct. He takes very good care of his flock and lives humbly. Important quote: "If gold rusts, what will iron do?"

Cleric

This pilgrim is articulate and opinionated. He studies all the time. He is a typical starving student in threadbare clothes; even his horse is skinny.

Merchant

This pilgrim is dressed in multicolored clothes, which suggests affluence. He is in debt because he is a poor businessman, but no one knows it. He believes in the government protecting small businesses.

Monk

This pilgrim is not what we would expect his kind to be. He is fat and is describes as a "Manly Man." He is said to live "High on the Hog." This pilgrim loves hunting and is always dressed in expensive clothes. He also wears a lover's knot.

Knight

This pilgrim is one of the highest ranking on this trip. He serves as an ideal, and is the epitome of chivalric code honor. This pilgrim is still dressed in battle clothes.

Squire

This pilgrim is the Knight's son. He's passionate, vain, and talented in jousting. He is a combination of virtues and vices.

Plowman

This pilgrim is the brother of the Parson. He is another truly good character. He works very hard as an honest farmer. He always pays his tithe (10% of income that is given to the church).

Yeomen

This pilgrim is the knight's servant. This pilgrim wears a St. Christopher's medal and is well armed. He is clothed in green and carries a great bow along with his sword, dagger and horn

Reeve

This pilgrim is the manager of a large estate. He is shrewd but somewhat dishonest. This character is a cranky, skinny estate manager (accountant) who steals money from his bosses

Miller

This pilgrim is very dishonest. He is a big sloppy man with a hairy wart on his nose and a red beard. He loves to hang out in taverns and tell dirty stories.

Doctor

This pilgrim knows his stuff but is dishonest. He prescribes medicine that patients don't need so his apothecary friends make money.

Wife of Bath

This pilgrim lives in the city of Bath and is a wealthy weaver. This pilgrim has been married 5 times and has had many boyfriends. She has a gap between her front teeth (a sign of a highly sexual person).

Prioress

This pilgrim seems to defy her vows of: Obedience, Chastity, and Poverty. This pilgrim dresses in nice clothing and is very pretty. She has fancy manners and speaks French with an English accent. She looks and acts like a fine lady even though she is not. Her nickname is "Madame Eglantyne." She has a pack of little dogs that she spoils with rich expensive foods. She wears a brooch that says "Love conquers all."

Pardoner

This pilgrim sells church indulgences and fake religious relics. He has a high voice, long blond curls, and very little facial hair. He is very good at convincing people to give him money.

Manciple

This pilgrim works for lawyers as a kind of manager at the Inns of Court.

Summoner

This pilgrim works for the church court handing out violations. His face is covered with puss-filled sores and pimples (suffering from syphilis). This pilgrim is "with the Pardoner.