Yes, he does. In 'The Canterbury Tales', the host plays an important role in the storytelling framework. He not only proposes the storytelling contest but also participates in it to some extent by guiding the pilgrims and adding his own comments and interactions during the journey.
No, it isn't. The Canterbury Tales is more like a anthology of separate tales. It showcases a wide range of characters and their narratives, rather than following the typical structure of a novel.
The number of stories each character tells varies. Some characters have only one story, while others may have more, depending on their significance and role in the collection.
The Pardoner's Tale' can also be considered among the best. It has a moral lesson at its core. The Pardoner tells a story about greed and how it can lead to destruction. The three rioters in the story are lured by the idea of easy wealth and in the end, they meet a tragic fate. This tale shows Chaucer's ability to blend morality with an interesting narrative.