How many characters are in Canterbury Tales?

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In Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, 32 characters make the trip to Canterbury. 29 of these are mentioned in line 24 of the “General Prologue.” The narrator joins this group (making 30). The host, Harry Bailey, makes 31. The Canon's yeoman, who joins the group later, makes 32.



Also asked, who are the 29 characters in Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales Character List

  • The Host. or "Harry Bailly": The proprietor of the Tabard Inn where the pilgrims to Canterbury stay before beginning their journey.
  • The Knight. A noble fighter who served in the Crusades.
  • The Squire.
  • The Knight's Yeoman.
  • The Prioress.
  • The Second Nun.
  • The Monk.
  • The Friar (Hubert)

One may also ask, how many pilgrims are in Canterbury Tales? 31

Additionally, who are all the characters in The Canterbury Tales?

The Pardoner The Wife of Bath The Miller The Knight The Narrator

What is the story of Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales, written in a combination of verse and prose, tells the story of some 30 pilgrims walking from Southwark to Canterbury on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St Thomas Beckett. On route, the pilgrims engage in a story telling competition to win a meal at the Tabard Inn!

29 Related Question Answers Found

Why are the Canterbury Tales important?

One of the reasons Chaucer is so important is that he made the decision to write in English and not French. In the centuries following the Norman invasion, French was the language spoken by those in power. The Canterbury Tales was one of the first major works in literature written in English.

Who were Chaucer's contemporaries?

Chaucer was widely known amongst the literati of the day, and his circle included influential figures such as Sir Lewis Clifford, Sir Richard Stury and Sir John Montagu. He was also friendly with other contemporary writers, including Thomas Hoccleve, Henry Scogan, Ralph Strode and John Gower.

Why is it called Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales begins with the introduction of each of the pilgrims making their journey to Canterbury to the shrine of Thomas A Becket. Congregating at the Tabard Inn, the pilgrims decide to tell stories to pass their time on the way to Canterbury. The Host of the Tabard Inn sets the rules for the tales.

Who is the parson in Canterbury Tales?

The Parson - The only devout churchman in the company, the Parson lives in poverty, but is rich in holy thoughts and deeds. The pastor of a sizable town, he preaches the Gospel and makes sure to practice what he preaches. He is everything that the Monk, the Friar, and the Pardoner are not.

Who are the ideal characters in Canterbury Tales?

Characters in The Canterbury Tales
  • Character #1. The Knight. Chaucer has presented the Knight as an ideal character.
  • Character #2. The Wife of Bath.
  • Character #3. The Miller.
  • Character #4. The Parson.
  • Character #5. The Plowman.
  • Character #6. The Merchant.
  • Character #7. The Clerk.
  • Character #8. The Sergeant of Law.

What literary devices are used in Canterbury Tales?

Examples of imagery, allegory, alliteration, satire, hyperbole, allusion, personification and irony. Similes and metaphors in The Canterbury Tales.

How does Chaucer feel about the parson?

Contrary to many of the other characters, Geoffrey Chaucer's Parson (from The Canterbury Tales) proves to be a truly good man. Having taken a vow of poverty, the Parson lives a very poor life (in regards to goods). While he does not possess worldly goods (which is part of his poverty), the Parson is a very rich man.

Who is the narrator of The Canterbury Tales?


Chaucer the Pilgrim is the narrator of the tales, and he must give an accurate description of what is going on, even if he disagrees with the character's action. First Chaucer the Pilgrim talks about nature and the seasons. He tells us that he is joined by several people on a journey to Canterbury.

Who are the characters introduced in the General Prologue of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales?

The clergy is represented by the Prioress (and her nun and three priests), the Monk, the Friar, and the Parson. The other characters, from the wealthy Franklin to the poor Plowman, are the members of the laity.

Who was the most heroic character in The Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales
Socially, the Knight is by far the most prestigious person on the pilgrimage. He has fought in many battles and served his king nobly.

Which character from The Canterbury Tales used astrology?

Nicholas (The Miller's Tale) The passionate young boarder who uses his knowledge of astrology to convince the carpenter that another flood is about to begin so that he can seduce the carpenter's young wife.

What is the problem with Chaucer's characters in the General Prologue?

What is the “problem” with Chaucer's characters in the General Prologue? They are largely morally suspect “scoundrels.” Describe the narrator. Though named “Chaucer” the narrator does not truly represent the author.

Who has a red face full of sores in Canterbury Tales?


Feared by farm workers and usually was lagging behind. He had a red face full of sores, ate onions, and drank too much. He took bribes, carried a cake around like a shield, and wore a garland of flowers on his head. He had a red face full of sores, ate onions, and drank too much.

Where are the characters in The Canterbury Tales going?

All the people listed in the Prologue are going to Canterbury Cathedral. This is considered a holy place because Thomas a Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed by King Henry II's men, and became a martyr and saint.