CHARACTER STUDY
Obtain a copy of the Canterbury Tales in a modern translation or access it using the Internet.
Here is your goal for this assignment:
Write a character analysis of one the characters from Canterbury Tales.
Consider the monk, the friar, the franklin, and the parson.
Select one of these four characters which you would like to study and read Chaucer’s description of him in the “Prologue.” Remember that Chaucer may sound objective in his description but may actually be subtly negative or satirical toward that character.
Record your impressions of the personality of your chosen character from the “Prologue” description. Physical appearance and dress are not directly character traits, but they may give you clues as to personality as well.
Read the prologue and any afterward (it’s context in The Canterbury Tales) to the tale told by the character you have chosen to gain more insight and see any comments made about the character by the other pilgrims. You do not need to read the tale itself.
Write a study of the character you have chosen, including what you have learned from the “Prologue,” from the comments, and from your own insights into the character.
Use direct evidence from the text to support your observations. Do not just quote lines, but explain what the lines illustrate about character. Remember to document your quotes according to MLA format.
