In the film A Knights Tale it can be said that William Thatcher displays all the characteristics of the ideal knight which could be the equivalent of a modern day hero in todays society. This despite him not being of noble birth or a real knight. William shows more knightly characteristics than his main rival Count Adhemar, such as compassion and he is humble in victory. According to the Canterbury tales a knight has many characteristics which include honesty, loyalty, compassion, bravery, being just and helpful to those in distress. William shows all of these characteristics, but especially compassion when he agrees to draw a joust against Prince Edward after being told by the Prince that he had never not finished a joust. William does this as he treats others as he wants to be treated. This helps him in the future when he is finally dubbed a knight by Prince Edward, after being placed in the stocks for impersonating a knight. William shows bravery in the final joust after he is injured by Count Adhemar who had tipped one of his lances. Now William has to make the hard decision of forfeiting or continuing even though he is seriously injured and cannot even lift the lance. William finally decides to remove his armour and face Adhemar head on without it. Then there is the fact that he …show more content…
We meet up Kate, who is a female blacksmith, thought to be hopeless when it comes to making armour. Eventually, William agrees to let her make a lighter and stronger armour for him that will improve his performance in the joust. There is one other person that William shares his success with, Geoffrey Chaucer, who was found wandering around naked by Wat, Roland and William on their way to a competition. This is also an example of being helpful to those in distress. William and his friends did not even know this man yet they were still prepared to help