Final answer:
Chaucer provides insight into the character of the Wife of Bath in 'The Canterbury Tales' via direct description and her own narrative, giving a multifaceted understanding of her assertive and experienced character.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geoffrey Chaucer characterizes the Wife of Bath in The Canterbury Tales through a combination of direct description and showing her in action, particularly through her own storytelling. Chaucer employs a detailed prologue for the Wife of Bath, wherein he directly describes her physical appearance, attire, and experiences with her multiple marriages. Simultaneously, he exhibits her character traits through her behavior, dialogue, and the opinions she expresses in her lengthy monologue. Through the Wife of Bath's Prologue, Chaucer allows readers to glean her personality traits, such as her assertiveness, experience, independence, and her somewhat controversial views on marriage and female sovereignty. The combination of direct exposition and the character's own narrative voice work together to paint a vivid portrait of this memorable pilgrim.