This paper focuses on the interaction between the characters in three of Chaucer’s fabliaux — the Miller’s Tale, the Merchant’s Tale and the Shipman’s Tale — from the perspective of historical dialogue analysis. All tales tell a different version of seduction, intrigue and adultery. The plot development is studied through the characters’ speeches, with particular attention to the use of politeness strategies and emotional language. These features are related to character description and genre expectations.