Friar Rinaldo Character Analysis in The Decameron

In Elissa’s seventh tale (VII, 3), Rinaldo is a Sienese gentleman who falls in love with his neighbor’s wife and insinuates himself into the family by becoming their son’s godfather. As her lover, he provides the impetus for Madonna Agnesa’s trick on her husband; as a monk, he illustrates the sinfulness, avarice, and lustfulness of the clergy and contributes to The Decameron’s ongoing anticlerical satire.

Friar Rinaldo Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Friar Rinaldo appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Elissa’s tale is set in Siena. Young, handsome Rinaldo (soon to become Friar Rinaldo ) has fallen in love with his neighbor’s wife, Madonna Agnesa. He befriends Madonna Agnesa’s... (full context)

Friar Rinaldo resumes his pursuit of Madonna Agnesa, and although she is “itching” to give in, she... (full context)

One day, while Friar Rinaldo visits Madonna Agnesa (having sent his fellow friar off to “teach prayers” to her pretty... (full context)

While Madonna Agnesa talks, Friar Rinaldo puts his habit back on, picks up the boy, and innocently invites Madonna Agnesa’s Husband... (full context)

...for avoiding the mothers of his own godchildren in the past. And, Dioneo declares, if Friar Rinaldo only knew this much, he wouldn’t have had to work so hard to convince Madonna... (full context)