The Canterbury Tales · Character
The Sompnour
A church summoner whose trade in extortion and bribes has made him shameless, riding toward Canterbury with a devil for a sworn brother.
supporting
Also known as this Sompnour, This Sompnour
First appearance: The Prologue
As a supporting figure in The Canterbury Tales, The Sompnour is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The corrupt summoner in the tale who makes a pact with the devil.
The Sompnour appears in The Canterbury Tales as supporting figure.
The Sompnour first appears in 0000 the prologue.
In The Friar's Tale: The corrupt summoner in the tale who makes a pact with the devil.
Later, in The Prologue: The Summoner is angered by the Friar's words and vows to repay him when it is his turn to tell a tale.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
15 connectionsA slice of how The Sompnour sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Diverse pilgrims and tale characters
- Protagonist
- Moral exemplars and advisors
- Lower-class and bawdy characters
+10 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…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingIn the story
The Sompnour appears across 5 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 Sompnour unlock in the free preview.
See The Sompnour in The Prologue