The Canterbury Tales · Character
Claudius
A false churl who accuses Virginia in the Physician's Tale.
minor
Also known as hightë Claudius
First appearance: The Doctor's Tale
Claudius shows up with force in The Doctor's Tale. The page is where that presence becomes real.
The churl who falsely claims Virginia is his servant, acting on Appius's orders.
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In The Doctor's Tale: The churl who falsely claims Virginia is his servant, acting on Appius's orders. Later, in The Physician's Tale: The clerk who conspires with Appius to falsely claim Virginia as his thrall; he is…
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See Claudius in The Doctor's TaleCharacter Web
5 connectionsA slice of how Claudius sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Tragic justice and corruption
- Protagonist
- Diverse pilgrims and tale characters
- Lower-class and bawdy characters
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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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Claudius 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 Claudius unlock in the free preview.
See Claudius in The Doctor's Tale