He admits to conning people out of their money by making them feel guilty about possessing the characteristic of avarice, or greed. He uses this approach throughout his sermons, and also in the tale he tells to the pilgrims. He does not believe in his duties to the Church, and uses his position in society for his own benefit, while corrupting others. The Pardoner solidifies his greed when outwardly admits that he felt no remorse for "taking money from the poorest widow in the poorest village" (130). Even after he acknowledges his greed he continues to condemn others for being the same way. In this instance he becomes a hypocrite, openly admitting his own faults even when he is attempting to con innocent people out of their money. Before starting his tale, the Pardoner also preaches to his fellow pilgrims about numerous vices, including gluttony, gambling, and swearing; all habits he commits. Shortly after denouncing drunkenness, the Pardoner begins his tale by saying "I took from starving children all agape, now let me drink the liquor of grape. Would you like a tale? Now that I have drunk and drought the corn ripe ale" (130). Such an example of extreme hypocrisy reiterates the fact that the Pardoner really is just that, a depiction of complete sanctimony, which he finds no trouble in admitting. .
The Pardoner's tale is a moral tale that teaches a significant lesson, of money being the root of all evil. The tale itself is the story of three wayward young men who discover gold under a tree. They plan to split it among themselves but, as a result of greed, end up killing each other. "Thus these two murderers received their due, so did the traitorous prisoner too" (144). Once again, the pardoner preaches about avarice and, once again, he sells the relics. "Dearly beloved, God forgive you sin. My holy pardon frees you all of this. Provided you make the right approaches, gold rings and silver broaches" (145).