Direct Characterization:
* Chaucer explicitly describes the Knight's qualities: "He was a true, a perfect gentle knight," and "He loved chivalry, truth, honour, courtesy, and all his life had been spent in noble deeds." (General Prologue, lines 43-45)
* Chaucer uses clear, positive adjectives: "worthy," "excellent," "gentle," "wise," "traveled," "perfect," "humble," "discreet," "worthy," "perfect," "noble." These descriptions leave no room for doubt about the Knight's virtues.
Indirect Characterization:
* The Knight's actions reveal his character: He has fought in many battles and tournaments, demonstrating his bravery and skill. He has also traveled extensively, showing his adventurous spirit and desire for knowledge.
* The Knight's appearance reflects his character: His attire is simple and functional, lacking any ostentatious decorations, which suggests his humility and focus on practicality.
* His speech and attitude provide insight into his values: He speaks little, and when he does, his words are measured and wise. He is respectful towards others and shows a deep sense of honor and integrity.
* The other pilgrims' reactions to him reveal his reputation: He is held in high regard by the other pilgrims, suggesting that he is well-respected and admired for his noble character.
Overall, both direct and indirect characterization contribute to a clear and positive portrait of the Knight. He is presented as a shining example of a virtuous and honorable man, embodying the ideal qualities of a medieval knight.
However, it's important to note that Chaucer's portrayal of the Knight might not be completely unbiased. The Knight is presented as an ideal, which could be seen as a satirical commentary on the romanticized image of chivalry during Chaucer's time.