Holy Friar Character Analysis in The Decameron

The Holy Friar appears in Panfilo’s tale of Ciappelletto (I, 1). He is a holy and well-respected French friar (priest or monk) who hears Ciappelletto’s dying confession and believes him to be an example for other Christians. His willingness to believe Ciappelletto both indicates his own innocence and demonstrates the inability of the church to properly judge the state of human souls.

Holy Friar Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

Although they don’t trust Cepperello’s plan, his hosts bring him a respected Holy Friar , who leads him through confession sin by sin. Cepperello denies lust, claiming to be... (full context)

While his eavesdropping hosts can barely contain their laughter, the Holy Friar absolves Cepperello and offers to bury him in the convent. When Cepperello dies, the Friar’s... (full context)