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The Canterbury Tales · Character

Placebo

A flattering friend in the Merchant's Tale.

minor

Also known as callëd Placebo

First appearance: The Merchant's Tale

Placebo shows up with force in The Merchant's Tale. The page is where that presence becomes real.

A flattering advisor who encourages January's foolish decision to marry.
In the storyThe Merchant's TaleOpen this moment free

Placebo first appears in 0033 the merchant s tale.

In The Merchant's Tale: A flattering advisor who encourages January's foolish decision to marry.

See Placebo in The Merchant's TaleBook page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

3 connections

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

DADamianJUJustinusPAPalamonPLPlacebo

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Diverse pilgrims and tale characters
  • Moral exemplars and advisors
  • Protagonist

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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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Placebo appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Placebo unlock in the free preview.

See Placebo in The Merchant's Tale
See Placebo in The Merchant's Tale