The Host
Quote 1
"By cause drynke hath dominacioun
Upon this man, by my savacioun,
I trowe he lewedly wolde telle his tale."
(Manciple's Prologue 57 – 59)
The Host expresses the importance of having all one's wits about one to tell a good tale, and demonstrates just how seriously he takes this story-telling competition.
"Now telleth ye, sir Monk, if that ye konne,
Somwhat to quite with the Knyghtes tale."
(Miller's Prologue 10 – 11)
By asking the Monk to go next, the Host reveals that he plans to have the pilgrims tell their tales in order of social class; after the Monk would likely be the Franklin or another one of the religious figures.