The Canterbury Tales · Character
Absolon
A fastidious parish clerk with golden curls and a squeamish disdain for vulgarity, hopelessly smitten with the carpenter's young wife.
supporting
Also known as this jolly Absolon, This Absolon, quoth Absolon
First appearance: The Miller's Tale
As a supporting figure in The Canterbury Tales, Absolon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A vain parish clerk who tries to woo Alison and is humiliated.
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In The Miller's Tale: A vain parish clerk who tries to woo Alison and is humiliated. Later, in The Miller's Tale: A vain and amorous parish clerk who pursues Alison. He is humiliated when he kisses her backside and…
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See Absolon in The Miller's TaleCharacter Web
25 connectionsA slice of how Absolon sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Comic and authorial figures
- Protagonist
- Tragic justice and corruption
- Noble romance and corruption
- Moral exemplars and advisors
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Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because it shifts the focus from the external, ritualistic acts…
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Absolon appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Absolon unlock in the free preview.
See Absolon in The Miller's Tale