The Canterbury Tales · Character
Alla
Northumberland's king, who takes the exiled Constance to wife and finds his realm entangled in her perilous fortunes.
supporting
Also known as this Alla, King Alla
First appearance: The Man of Law’s Tale
As a supporting figure in The Canterbury Tales, Alla is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
King of Northumbria who marries Constance and later converts to Christianity.
Alla appears in The Canterbury Tales as supporting figure.
Alla first appears in 0011 the man of law s tale.
With Palamon (social): Alla and Palamon are characters from separate tales, linked only by the pilgrimage storytelling context. With Dame Constance (family): Alla is the king of Northumberland who marries Dame Constance in the Man of Law's Tale, forming a loving family bond. With Palamon (social): Alla and Palamon are characters from separate tales, linked only by the pilgrimage storytelling context.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
21 connectionsA slice of how Alla sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Family
- Other
Character groups
- Diverse pilgrims and tale characters
- Protagonist
- Comic and authorial figures
- Magic and gentility
- Moral exemplars and advisors
+16 more in the full Character Web
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…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Palamon
social · ambivalent
Alla and Palamon are characters from separate tales, linked only by the pilgrimage… How this plays out →
- Dame Constance
family · positive
- Palamon
social · ambivalent
Alla and Palamon are characters from separate tales, linked only by the pilgrimage… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Alla in The Man of Law’s TaleIn the story
Alla 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 Alla unlock in the free preview.
See Alla in The Man of Law’s Tale