In Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, there are a total of 29 pilgrims who set out on a journey to Canterbury. These pilgrims represent a diverse cross-section of 14th-century English society, each with their own unique background, social status, and personality.
Each of the pilgrims is introduced in the General Prologue, where Chaucer provides a brief description of their professions and characteristics. Among them are a Knight, a Prioress, a Merchant, a Wife of Bath, and many others, showcasing the various aspects of life during that time. This mix sets the stage for the storytelling competition that unfolds during their journey, as each pilgrim tells a tale aimed at both entertainment and moral lessons.