The Canterbury Tales · Character
The Pardoner
A smooth-tongued pardoner who sells relics and indulgences with theatrical flair, openly confessing that his only goal is profit.
supporting
First appearance: The Prologue
As a supporting figure in The Canterbury Tales, The Pardoner is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Interrupts the Wife of Bath, expressing shock at her views on marriage and his own reluctance to wed.
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He rides with the pilgrims carrying a bag of pig's bones and a pillowcase he calls Our Lady's veil, and he cheerfully admits that his sermons are designed to fleece the faithful. His tale about three rioters who destroy…
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The fuller portrait of The Pardoner sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See The Pardoner in The PrologueCharacter Web
17 connectionsA slice of how The Pardoner sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Noble romance and corruption
- Moral exemplars and advisors
- Protagonist
- Diverse pilgrims and tale characters
+12 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- 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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The Pardoner appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for The Pardoner unlock in the free preview.
See The Pardoner in The Prologue