The Canterbury Tales Character Inferences
Read the descriptions written about each of the characters, then choose the answer that provides the best inference based on the given quotes.
- 1.The Knight: “distinguished man”...“honor, generousness and courtesy”... “honored for his noble graces”...“not gaily dressed”...“tunic stained and dark”...“joined our ranks.”
- A.
Arrogant and proud
- B.
Lonely and shy
- C.
Respected and humble
- D.
Praised and conceited
- 2.The Nun: “sang a service”...“spoke daintily”...“her manners were well taught”...“pleasant and friendly”...“wept if she saw but a mouse in a trap.”
- A.
Kind and compassionate
- B.
Rude and unfeeling
- C.
Nice but quiet
- D.
Angry and jealous
- 3.The Friar: “merry...festive fellow”...“noble pillar”...“well-turned speech”...“sweetly he heard...with pleasant [forgiveness].”
- A.
Rude and objectionable
- B.
Forgiving but not liked
- C.
Isolated and vengeful
- D.
Kind and well-spoken
- 4.The Merchant: “high on a horse he sat”...“harped on his increase of capital [money]”...“stately”...“in debt.”
- A.
Poor and disliked
- B.
Vengeful and unkind
- C.
Respected and wealthy
- D.
High status and seemingly rich
- 5.The Oxford Cleric: “having twenty books”...“spent on learning”...“returning thanks”...“respectful”...“gladly teach.”
- A.
Well-educated and polite
- B.
Pretends to be educated but is not respected
- C.
Polite but demeaning
- D.
Fake and hypocritical
- 6.The Carpenter: “trim and fresh”...“knives wrought with the purest silver”...“had capital and revenue”...“seemed a worthy [citizen].”
- A.
Low class and dirty
- B.
Respectable and wealthy
- C.
Mean and rude
- D.
Kind and humble
- 7.The Skipper: “rode a farmers horse”...“summer heat had tanned his color brown”...“his prisoners...walked the plank”...“none...was his match.”
- A.
Hard-working and feared
- B.
Ruthless and a failure in life
- C.
Kind and forgiving
- D.
Highly respected and wealthy
- 8.The Woman from Bath: “her kerchiefs were of finely woven ground”...“handsome”...“she had five husbands”...“she liked to laugh and chat.”
- A.
Poor and lonely
- B.
Despicable and exiled
- C.
Lively and attractive
- D.
Dishonest and unfaithful
- 9.The Plowman: “honest worker”...“help the poor”...“living in peace and perfect charity”...“steadily about his work he went.”
- A.
Unfortunately and not liked
- B.
Lazy and arrogant
- C.
Poor and stingy
- D.
Generous and compassionate
- 10.The Miller: “A great stout fellow in brawn and bone”...“he would boast”...“his nose displayed a wart”...“mighty mouth was like a furnace door”...“buffoon”...“a master hand at stealing.”
- A.
Ugly but honest
- B.
Powerful yet gentle
- C.
Disrespected and dishonest
- D.
Dirty but well-liked
- 11.The Summoner: “hot and lecherous”...“black scabby brows”...“children were afraid when he appeared”...“pimples sitting on his cheek”...“would shout and jabber as if crazy.”
- A.
Feared and loathed
- B.
Honest but obnoxious
- C.
Kind and approachable
- D.
Ugly but well-liked
- 12.The Pardoner: “his wallet lay before him in his lap”...“in one short day, in money down, he drew more that the parson in a month or two”...“honey tongue...[could] win silver from the crowd.”
- A.
Feared and successful
- B.
Well-spoken but greedy
- C.
Compassionate and giving
- D.
Friendly and honest
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