thank God He represents true knighthood and perfect gentleness The Squire The Squire is the Knight s son He is young handsome and full of love He is twenty years old He sings dances writes songs and paints Chaucer says about him He was as fressh as is the month of May He was as fresh as is the month of May He has curly hair and wears colourful clothes with flowers He fights bravely in Flanders and Picardy But he loves romance more than war He is polite cheerful and serves his father humbly He represents the beauty youth and joy of the noble class The Yeoman The Yeoman travels with the Knight and Squire He wears a green coat and a hood He carries a bow sword and dagger He is brown-faced and strong He knows the art of woodcraft and hunting He wears a silver St Christopher medal on his chest He is a symbol of duty and faithfulness He serves his master with care and skill He is a faithful courtly servant The Prioress The Prioress Madame Eglentyne is a gentle nun She behaves like a fine lady of the royal court She speaks soft French sings sweetly and eats with grace She never let a piece of food fall from her lips on her breast Chaucer says She leet no morsel from hir lippes falle She let no morsel fall from her lips She weeps at the death of a mouse She loves her little dogs more than poor people She wears a brooch engraved with Amor Vincit Omnia Love conquers all She is kind and tender but not very spiritual She represents the outer charm and vanity of noble women The Monk The Monk belongs to the upper class of the Church But he ignores holy rules He enjoys hunting and rich food Chaucer says An outridere that lovede venerie An outrider a monk with business outside the monastery who loved hunting He owns fine horses and wears fur-lined sleeves He also wears a golden pin shaped like a love-knot He is fat handsome and proud He represents luxury and pleasure among churchmen who live like nobles The Franklin The Franklin is not noble by birth but he lives like one He loves food wine and happiness His house is always full of meat drink and guests He is cheerful generous and kind He is called Saint Julian for his hospitality He represents the rich landowner of the upper class who enjoys comfort and shares with others The courtly characters show the manners and morals of the noble class in Chaucer s age They are brave generous polite and sometimes proud Chaucer presents them with truth and humour Through them he shows that real nobility lies in goodness not just birth They bring beauty variety and dignity to The General Prologue Chaucer s art makes them live forever as the finest models of medieval courtly life