The Taming of the Shrew Characters

Lucentio

Young nobleman from Pisa, newly arrived in Padua to study. Falls instantly in love with Bianca. Disguises himself as a schoolmaster (“Cambio”) to get close to her. Represents romantic love and clever deception.

Tranio

Lucentio’s witty and loyal servant. Suggests the disguise plan. Pretends to be Lucentio in public. Manages the social and financial side of Lucentio’s scheme. Represents loyalty and intelligence.

Baptista Minola

Wealthy merchant of Padua and father of Katherina and Bianca. Declares Bianca cannot marry until Katherina is married. His rule drives the entire plot of the play. Represents authority and family control.

Katherina (Kate) Minola

Baptista’s eldest daughter, called the “shrew.” Sharp tongued, temperamental, and outspoken. Unmarried and resented because of her behavior. Becomes the target of Petruchio’s courtship. Represents female independence and defiance.

Bianca Minola

Baptista’s younger daughter, admired for her beauty and obedience. Everyone loves her, including Lucentio, Hortensio, and Gremio. Gentle, modest, and seen as the “ideal” Renaissance woman. Represents obedience, grace, and contrast to Katherina.

Gremio

Elderly, wealthy suitor of Bianca. Competes with younger men (Lucentio, Hortensio). Tries to win her by offering gifts and tutors to Baptista. Represents comic jealousy and old fashioned love.

Hortensio

Bianca’s suitor and friend of Petruchio. Disguises himself as a music teacher (“Licio”) to woo Bianca. Later introduces Petruchio to the Minola family. Represents friendship, disguise, and scheming for love.

Petruchio

Gentleman from Verona, bold and confident. Comes to Padua seeking a rich wife, saying: “I come to wive it wealthily in Padua.” Chooses to pursue Katherina despite her temper. Represents greed, dominance, and comic bravado.

Grumio

Petruchio’s clownish servant. Provides comic relief through misunderstandings and wordplay. Loyal but foolish, adds humor to serious moments. Represents the comical servant archetype.

Biondello

Lucentio’s second servant. Helps carry out the disguise plan. Appears briefly but supports Tranio and Lucentio’s schemes. Represents obedient assistance and comic sidekick energy.

Vincentio

Lucentio’s father, mentioned only. Wealthy man from Pisa whose status allows Lucentio to study freely. Important later in the play. Represents family status and wealth.

Antonio

Petruchio’s deceased father, mentioned only. Petruchio identifies himself as “Antonio’s son.” Used to show Petruchio’s noble background. Represents family reputation and heritage.