The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue Characters

The Knight is a paragon of chivalry who has fought in 15 major battles across Prussia, Lithuania, Russia, Spain, North Africa, Turkey, and Egypt. Despite his remarkable military reputation, he wears a simple, stained tunic, reflecting his humility and lack of vanity. He is gentle, wise, and respectful in speech and conduct, never speaking rudely or harshly to anyone. His battles are driven by religious devotion and a commitment to truth and justice.

The Squire is the son of the Knight, approximately 20 years old, with curly hair and medium height. He is elaborately dressed and gifted in singing, flute-playing, poetry, drawing, and dancing, and has fought bravely in Flanders, Artois, and Picardy. His romantic nature leaves him so restless with love that he barely sleeps at night, likened to a nightingale. His military service and artistic pursuits are largely motivated by a desire to win his lady's favor.

The Yeoman is the sole servant accompanying the Knight on the pilgrimage, dressed in a green coat and hood typical of a forester. He carries peacock-feathered arrows, a mighty bow, a sword, shield, and dagger, and wears a wrist guard for archery. His closely cropped hair and brown face speak to his extensive time outdoors. He also wears a silver medal of St. Christopher on his chest, indicating a degree of religious devotion.

The Prioress, whose name is Madam Eglantine, is a well-dressed and refined woman who sings divine services with a nasal tone and speaks French learned at Stratford-at-Bow rather than Paris. She is meticulous at table, never dropping food or leaving grease on her cup, and strives to imitate courtly behavior. Extraordinarily tender-hearted, she weeps at the sight of a suffering mouse and keeps well-fed pet dogs. She wears a coral rosary and a gold brooch inscribed with "Amor Vincit Omnia" (Love Conquers All).

The Second Nun accompanies the Prioress and serves as her secretary and chaplain. She is given very little physical or personality description in the General Prologue. She later tells a tale attributed to her role as the Second Nun.

One of three priests who accompany the Prioress on the pilgrimage, he is identified by the name John and addressed by the Host as Sir John. He is the priest who narrates The Nun's Priest's Tale. Like the other priests, he receives very little descriptive detail in the General Prologue.

The Monk is a strong, well-fed man who defies the traditional ascetic life prescribed by Saint Benedict, preferring hunting, fine horses, and lavish meals such as roasted swan. His clothing features fur-lined sleeves and a gold pin, reflecting his taste for luxury. He has a bald, shiny head and a healthy, well-nourished face. His fine brown horse symbolises his wealth and elevated status within the Church.

Hubert the Friar is a cheerful and sociable man who cultivates relationships with wealthy landowners and women while avoiding the sick and the poor. He holds a license to hear confessions and grants easy penance, particularly to those who offer gifts, believing donations signal true repentance. He has arranged marriages for young women at his own expense and is an expert beggar who earns beyond his apparent means. His hood is stuffed with small gifts such as knives and pins, used to win favour from those he encounters.