Bawdy Tales

One of two thieves imprisoned to pass the time, Bernardino is quick-witted and streetwise. He serves as a lively narrator who punctuates the tales with sly observations about love, betrayal, and social pretenses. His presence anchors the framing of the stories with a mischievous outlook.

A proud, possessive nobleman who confronts his wife’s alleged infidelities with volatile emotion. His sense of honor and control propels the first tale toward a fatal resolution, reflecting the era’s rigid codes for aristocratic men. The duke embodies both authority and vulnerability when facing betrayal.

The other man in the first story, Nicolino is pragmatic and unflinching in the face of scandal. He partners with the duke to confront infidelity, showing a street-smart, survival-minded mindset. His choices drive the consequences that follow, highlighting the tension between loyalty and self-preservation.

The duke’s wife, Catherine is entangled in infidelity and social maneuvering. Her actions illuminate the complexities of marriage, status, and desire within a conservative society. She participates in the moral games that determine outcomes for all involved.

A debauched priest who becomes entangled with lovers and pilgrims, illustrating the hypocrisy and danger of unchecked desire within clerical ranks. His behavior triggers the grim turn of the third story and exposes the gulf between piety and passion.

A high religious figure who presides over the Judgment Day sequence, embodying divine judgment and the ultimate consequences for the characters’ sins. His presence heightens the gravity of moral reckoning at the story’s end.