Chaucer uses indirect characterization to describe all his characters, poking fun at them, beating around the bush. Yet he uses direct characterization at the same time, describing to the readers how the Merchant is in debt, how the Monk fancies material things, how the Cook is fat with an ulcer.
In regards to indirect characterization of the Cook, Chaucer uses the Cook's dialogue to indirectly show the reader his personality and his values. Direct characterization: The Cook's story is told directly, with his physical features included.
Tone: Chaucer's tone was satirical, making fun of the Cook's life. At first the Cook was happy just the way he was, but throughout the pilgrimage, people brought up all his faults which hurt his feelings. So the Cook lost his true personality and character, hiding it from everybody. Chaucer's voice in the narrator more encouraged the Cook to ignore and move past all of it and to get his character and integrity back.
Chaucer's humor: more ironic, because the Cook was happy and content in the beginning, but then lost himself through the journey and his job. Chaucer made fun of how the Cook lost everything, how the Cook let other people get to him even though he was so content.
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