![The Canterbury Tales - Character Map for "The General Prologue"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-srcsets/kristy-littlehale/-the-general-prologue--character-map.png "The Canterbury Tales - Character Map for "The General Prologue"")
Activity Overview
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Use a character map to help track the different pilgrims that are discussed in “The General Prologue”. Have the students provide the character’s physical/physiognomic traits, internal character traits, and a quote for support! For the purpose of this sample, we’ve chosen our favorite five. Split your students up and have them focus on just one or a few pilgrims, or have them track all 30!
Canterbury Tales Characters
| Physical/Physiognomic Traits | Internal Character Traits | Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wife of Bath | Aging, deaf in one ear, very finely dressed, has gaps in her teeth | She is confident, congenial, and an expert in love and romance | “In felaweshipe wel koude she laughe and carpe./ Of remedies of love she knew per chaunce,/ For she koude of that art the olde daunce.” | The Miller | Stout, with big muscles, red beard, nostrils full of black hairs, a huge, loud mouth with a tooth missing; carries a sword | Dishonest, as he sells his product for three times the price he’s supposed to; uncouth; debaucherous | “His mouth as greet was as a greet forneys. He was a janglere and a goliardeys, And that was moost of synne and harlotries. Wel koude he stelen corn and tollen thries; And yet he hadde a thombe of gold, pardee.” | The Prioress | Has very good manners; exquisite nose; gray eyes; small, red mouth | Dainty and proper; compassionate; modest; good heart | “But soore wepte she if oon of hem were deed, Or if men smoot it with a yerde smerte; And al was conscience and tendre herte.” | The Cook | Has a defect: an open sore oozing from his chin | Expert in cooking | “But soore wepte she if oon of hem were deed, Or if men smoot it with a yerde smerte; And al was conscience and tendre herte.” |
| The Knight | He dresses in a subdued style, he carries himself with dignity and he never has an unkind expression on his face | He is humble, a worthy knight, and perhaps the best knight in the world | “And everemoore he hadde a soveryn prys. And though that he were worthy, he was wys, And of his port as meeke as is a mayde. He nevere yet no vileynye ne sayde In al his lyf unto no maner wight.” |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in The Canterbury Tales and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical/Physiognomic Traits, Internal Character Traits, Quote.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Activity Overview
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Use a character map to help track the different pilgrims that are discussed in “The General Prologue”. Have the students provide the character’s physical/physiognomic traits, internal character traits, and a quote for support! For the purpose of this sample, we’ve chosen our favorite five. Split your students up and have them focus on just one or a few pilgrims, or have them track all 30!
Canterbury Tales Characters
| Physical/Physiognomic Traits | Internal Character Traits | Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wife of Bath | Aging, deaf in one ear, very finely dressed, has gaps in her teeth | She is confident, congenial, and an expert in love and romance | “In felaweshipe wel koude she laughe and carpe./ Of remedies of love she knew per chaunce,/ For she koude of that art the olde daunce.” | The Miller | Stout, with big muscles, red beard, nostrils full of black hairs, a huge, loud mouth with a tooth missing; carries a sword | Dishonest, as he sells his product for three times the price he’s supposed to; uncouth; debaucherous | “His mouth as greet was as a greet forneys. He was a janglere and a goliardeys, And that was moost of synne and harlotries. Wel koude he stelen corn and tollen thries; And yet he hadde a thombe of gold, pardee.” | The Prioress | Has very good manners; exquisite nose; gray eyes; small, red mouth | Dainty and proper; compassionate; modest; good heart | “But soore wepte she if oon of hem were deed, Or if men smoot it with a yerde smerte; And al was conscience and tendre herte.” | The Cook | Has a defect: an open sore oozing from his chin | Expert in cooking | “But soore wepte she if oon of hem were deed, Or if men smoot it with a yerde smerte; And al was conscience and tendre herte.” |
| The Knight | He dresses in a subdued style, he carries himself with dignity and he never has an unkind expression on his face | He is humble, a worthy knight, and perhaps the best knight in the world | “And everemoore he hadde a soveryn prys. And though that he were worthy, he was wys, And of his port as meeke as is a mayde. He nevere yet no vileynye ne sayde In al his lyf unto no maner wight.” |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in The Canterbury Tales and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical/Physiognomic Traits, Internal Character Traits, Quote.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How Tos about Canterbury Tales \"General Prologue\" Character Map
Organize students into small groups to discuss character relationships
Fostering collaboration helps students deepen their understanding of character dynamics. Group discussions encourage students to share perspectives and notice connections between pilgrims, making the text more engaging for everyone.
Assign each group a set of pilgrims to analyze
Dividing the workload allows students to focus deeply on a few characters. Specializing helps them become 'experts' and prepares them to share insights with the class.
Guide students to identify connections and contrasts among pilgrims
Encourage students to look for similarities and differences in traits, motives, and backgrounds. This analysis helps them understand Chaucer’s use of contrast and satire in the text.
Facilitate a class discussion or gallery walk to share findings
Sharing discoveries lets students teach each other and see the big picture. Gallery walks or presentations make the process interactive and reinforce learning.
Reflect on how relationships shape the story’s themes
Prompt students to consider how character interactions reveal larger themes like social class or morality. This step helps them connect details to the overall message of the text.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canterbury Tales \"General Prologue\" Character Map
What is a character map in literature, and how can it help students understand The Canterbury Tales ‘General Prologue’?
A character map is a visual organizer that helps students track key traits, details, and quotes for each character. In The Canterbury Tales ‘General Prologue’, using a character map allows students to recall physical traits, internal qualities, and significant lines, making it easier to follow the many pilgrims and understand their roles in the story.
How do you create a character map for The Canterbury Tales ‘General Prologue’?
To create a character map, list each pilgrim’s name and add sections for physical/physiognomic traits, internal character traits, and a supporting quote. Students can fill these out while reading or after discussion, helping them organize information about each character visually.
Which characters should students focus on in a Canterbury Tales character map?
Students can map all 30 pilgrims, but starting with key figures like The Wife of Bath, The Miller, The Prioress, The Cook, and The Knight offers a manageable introduction and covers a range of personalities and social classes.
What are some examples of internal and external traits to include on a Canterbury Tales character map?
For external traits, note features like 'red beard' or 'finely dressed.' Internal traits might include 'confident,' 'humble,' or 'dishonest.' Adding a direct quote from the text provides evidence for each trait.
Why is character mapping an effective lesson strategy for teaching Chaucer’s ‘General Prologue’?
Character mapping helps students keep track of the large cast, encourages close reading, and supports comprehension by visually organizing essential character information. It promotes engagement and makes subtle details more memorable.
More Storyboard That Activities
Canterbury Tales, The
![The Canterbury Tales by Geofrey Chaucer - "The Knight's Tale" Summary Plot Diagram](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/975743/cell-col-2-row-0-w400.png "The Canterbury Tales by Geofrey Chaucer - "The Knight's Tale" Summary Plot Diagram")
![The Canterbury Tales by Geofrey Chaucer - Literary Conflict in "The Miller's Tale"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/976206/cell-col-1-row-0-w400.png "The Canterbury Tales by Geofrey Chaucer - Literary Conflict in "The Miller's Tale"")
![The Canterbury Tales by Geofrey Chaucer - Perspectives in "The Wife of Bath's Prologue"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/976250/cell-col-1-row-0-w400.png "The Canterbury Tales by Geofrey Chaucer - Perspectives in "The Wife of Bath's Prologue"")
![The Canterbury Tales by Geofrey Chaucer - Caricatures in "The General Prologue"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/976341/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "The Canterbury Tales by Geofrey Chaucer - Caricatures in "The General Prologue"")
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
