The Taming of the Shrew - Review

Katherine

A known "shrew"; sister to Bianca and wife to Petruchio

Bianca

Younger daughter to Baptista; sister to Kate; pursued by three suitors

Hortensio

Suitor to Bianca; disguises himself as "Litio" (music tutor); ultimately marries Widow

Gremio

Suitor to Bianca; a wealthy older man who is often the butt of jokes

Vincentio

Wealthy merchant from Pisa; father to Lucentio

Baptista

Wealthy man of Padua; father to Kate and Bianca

Tranio

Lucentio's loyal servant; takes on his master's identity in Padua to help win Bianca

Petruchio

Wealthy man from Verona; assertive and arrogant; marries Katherine

Lucentio

Suitor to Bianca; disguises himself as "Cambio" (language tutor) to court Bianca and ultimately marries her

Grumio

Petruchio's servant; he is clownish and helps Petruchio with his taming scheme

Biondello

Servant to Lucentio

Merchant

Tricked by Tranio into impersonating Vincentio to guarantee the dowry for Bianca so that Lucentio can marry her

How does Petruchio try to tame Kate?

He prevents her from eating or sleeping until she is obedient

Why are the men of Padua afraid of Kate?

She is quick to anger and has a sharp tongue

What is Baptista's condition for Bianca to get married?

Kate must get married first.

Why does Baptista choose "Lucentio" to marry Bianca?

He offers the biggest dowry

When Petruchio arrives in Padua, what is his goal?

To find a rich wife

Why does Lucentio want to marry Bianca?

He falls in love with her beauty and personality