# The Man of Law — The Canterbury Tales character guide

> The Man of Law in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0000-the-prologue

## Snapshot

A serjeant of the law who has bought up every inch of land in fee simple, and tells a tale of a wronged woman's constancy.

## Who they are

The Man of Law is one of the busiest buyers of land in England, yet he seems busier than he is, and no one can find a flaw in his legal papers. He tells the tale of Constance, a Christian princess cast adrift and slandered, whose faith never wavers. His tale of patience and providence fits a man whose whole life is spent weighing evidence and pronouncing judgment.

## In the story

### [The Man of Law’s Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se/chapters/the-man-of-law-s-tale)

Tells the tale of Constance, emphasizing themes of justice and providence.

### [The Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se/chapters/the-prologue)

Called upon by the Host to tell a tale; he praises Chaucer's works and begins his own tale.

### [The Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se/chapters/the-tale)

The narrator of this tale, who introduces the story by reflecting on the hardships of poverty and the virtues of merchants.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se/characters/man_of_law
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se/characters