Symkyn: A deceitful miller who overcharges customers and is the main antagonist in 'The Reeve's Tale'.
Malyne: Symkyn's daughter, whose virginity is preserved by her parents for a socially advantageous marriage.
John and Aleyn: Two students from Cambridge University who seek to avenge Symkyn's deceit.
Historical context: The social and cultural setting of the tale, including medieval views on clergy, marriage, and legitimacy.
Irony: A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, used by Chaucer to enhance the tale's moral lessons.
Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.