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The Canterbury Tales · Character

Aurelius

A lovesick squire who pines for Dorigen and makes a reckless bargain with a Orleans clerk to move the rocks that keep her from him.

supporting

Also known as wretch'd Aurelius

First appearance: The Franklin's Tale

As a supporting figure in The Canterbury Tales, Aurelius is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A squire who loves Dorigen and, after a magician removes the rocks, releases her from her promise upon seeing the nobility of Arviragus and Dorigen.
In the storyThe Franklin's TaleOpen this moment free

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Aurelius is a young squire in the Franklin's Tale who loves the married lady Dorigen with a devotion that shades into desperation. When she jokingly sets him an impossible condition — clear the black rocks from…

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See Aurelius in The Franklin's Tale

Character Web

8 connections

A slice of how Aurelius sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

DODorigenDADame AlesTKThe KnightPAPalamonARArviragusAUAurelius

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Love, fidelity, and rash promises
  • Noble romance and corruption
  • Protagonist

+3 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • 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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In the story

Aurelius 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 Aurelius unlock in the free preview.

See Aurelius in The Franklin's Tale