Name
Characters of the Canterbury Tales
Directions: Read the following quote and determine Dryden’s meaning in the space provided.
“We have our Fore-fathers and Great Grand-dames all before us, as they were in Chaucer’s days; their general
characters are still remaining in Mankind, and even in England, though they are called by other names than
those of Monks, Friars, and Canons, and Lady Abbesses, and Nuns; For Mankind is ever the same and nothing
lost out of Nature, though everything is altered.” –John Dryden
Canterbury Tales on Social Satire
Social Satire:
Methods used to portray character trains in literature.
1. A direct statement about the character
2. Indirectly through actions, thoughts and dialogue
3. Comments made about the person by others
4. Physical appearance and habits
Characters in the General Prologue
Directions: As we read the prologue aloud, take notes about the characteristics of the pilgrims. Focus on their
profession, rank, appearance, and behaviors. Write down as many descriptive words as possible.
1. Knight –
2. Squire –
3. Yeoman –
4. Prioress –
5. Monk –
6. Friar –
7. Merchant –
8. Oxford Cleric –
9. Sergeant at the Law –
10. Franklin –
11. Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, Carpet-maker –
12. Cook –
13. Skipper –
14. Doctor –
15. Wife of Bath –
16. Parson –
17. Plowman –
18. Miller –
19. Manciple –
20. Reeve –
21. Summoner –
22. Pardoner –
23. Host –