The Knight's Tale characters

Appears from the start

The duke of Athens, returning from victory with his new wife when mourning Theban women appeal to him for justice. He defeats their enemy Creon and has the battlefield searched, bringing the wounded Theban knights Palamon and Arcite to Athens as lifelong prisoners.

Appears from the start

Theseus's wife and the former queen of the Amazons. She returns to Athens beside him and her younger sister Emelye, and she responds compassionately to people who plead before the duke.

Appears from the start

Hippolyta's younger sister, living in Theseus's household in Athens. Palamon and Arcite first see her gathering flowers in the garden below their prison tower, and each immediately declares his love although she does not know them.

Appears from the start

A Theban knight and cousin of Arcite, found badly wounded after Theseus's victory over Creon and imprisoned in Athens. The sight of Emelye from the prison window turns him and Arcite from sworn companions into rivals.

Appears from the start

A Theban knight, Palamon's cousin and fellow prisoner. He falls in love with Emelye after seeing her in Theseus's garden, creating a bitter conflict with Palamon despite their kinship and earlier loyalty.

Appears from the start

The ruler of Thebes whom Theseus attacks after a group of widows report that he has denied burial to their husbands. He is defeated before the two wounded Theban knights are discovered among the dead.

Appears from the start

A close friend of Theseus who also knows Arcite. His request persuades the duke to release Arcite from prison on the strict condition that the young knight never return to Athenian territory.

First appears in chapter 3

The goddess to whom Palamon appeals in the temple built beside Theseus's tournament ground. As the deity associated with love, she is asked to grant him Emelye rather than mere victory in combat.

First appears in chapter 3

The goddess whom Emelye asks for help before the tournament. Emelye wishes to remain unmarried, but Diana's sign indicates that divine powers have decided she must eventually wed one of the rival knights.

First appears in chapter 3

The god of war, honored in one of the temples at Theseus's lists. Arcite prays to him for triumph in the coming tournament and receives a sign that his request has been heard.

First appears in chapter 3

An older divine power who intervenes when the promises associated with Mars and Venus appear to conflict. He assures Venus that Palamon will ultimately obtain the love for which he prayed.

First appears in chapter 3

The formidable king of Thrace who arrives at Athens with a large company to fight on Palamon's side in the tournament arranged by Theseus.

First appears in chapter 3

The king of India, presented as a splendid and powerful warrior. He comes to Athens with his followers to support Arcite in the tournament for Emelye.