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.
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.
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.