Ghino di Tacco Character Analysis in The Decameron

Ghino di Tacco appears as the protagonist of Elissa’s tenth tale (X, 2). The character is based on a historical Sienese nobleman who was exiled in the late 13th century and who had a reputation for stealing from the rich who passed along the highway to give to the poor. In The Decameron, he demonstrates this generosity in hosting the Abbot of Cluny and makes the case for his own noble character when he claims that he has only turned to thievery because his exile forces him to live a life that’s not suitable for a nobleman such as himself. For this, he is rewarded by the pope.

Ghino di Tacco Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Ghino di Tacco appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

After Ghino di Tacco is banished from Siena, he rebels against the Church of Rome and begins to rob... (full context)

Ghino di Tacco has his men ambush the Abbot of Cluny and his entire retinue, then escort them... (full context)

Ghino di Tacco has the Abbot of Cluny deposited in a “dark and uncomfortable” room. Then, posing as... (full context)

Only after the Abbot of Cluny has fully recovered does Ghino di Tacco reveal his identity and explain that he turned to highway robbery because his exile and... (full context)