HCL: Taming of the Shrew Characters

Where the play takes place

Padua, Italy

genre of the play

comedy

Main themes of the play

love and marriage, social hierarchy, power dynamics, APPEARANCE VERSUS REALITY

When the play was written

Between 1590-1592

Lucentio

Young and wealthy man who studies philosophy; falls in love with Bianca and courts her by pretending to be her tutor

Baptista

Father of Katrina and Bianca; says that Katrina has to marry before Bianca can

Katrina

Elder daughter of Baptista; loud and unruly ("a shrew"); is not interested in marriage

Bianca

Youngest daughter of Baptista; desirable ("the perfect woman"); has many suitors

Gremio

Very old and rich man courting Bianca; easily fooled; friends with Baptista

Hortensio

A wealthy suitor of Bianca; pretends to be a music tutor to court her

Tranio

Lucentio's servant that swaps places with him in order for Lucentio to court Bianca

Pertruchio

Katrina's suitor; quick-witted; wants to marry rich

Grumio

Pertruchio's servant

Bianca's suitors

Gremio, Lucentio, Hortensio