The Canterbury Tales
Character Sketch
Miss Woodward
A character sketch is a written description of a character in a story. In writing a character sketch,
you are to observe a character to get a feel of what this character is really like, and then relay that
information to another reader in a clear, concise manner. Each student will give a summary of a
character in the poem using the following criteria.
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Positive and negative aspects of the character
What he/she looks like (physical features, dress, etc)
What character is/does for a living (make sure you explain this job)
Character profile/personality (serious, humorous, ironical, satirical, well-liked, etc)
Social Class
View points (political, social, etc)
Any other criteria from the poem that tells what your character is like
Be prepared to make a brief (3-5 minute) presentation in class about your character. A copy of
this summary needs to be typed and handed in to be graded. This assignment will count as a quiz
grade. Both parts need to be completed to get credit!!!
Please make sure to include the page numbers in the book and line numbers of the poem where
your character is discussed so we can take a look at it while you do your presentation.
*** YOU NEED TO HAVE 2 COPIES OF YOUR SUMMARY. ALL SUMMARIES WILL BE
HANED IN AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS ON THE DUE DATE. Therefore, you will need
a second copy to do your in class presentation.
Grading Rubric
1. Summary is typed and completed and handed in on time
2. Presentation is through and done on time
50 Points
50 Points
*** Remember both parts of this assignment must be completed to receive credit. If you only do
one part you will receive a zero for the assignment.
DUE DATE: _________________
List of Characters
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, Carpenter, Weaver, Dyer, 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