Character List
Christopher Sly A beggar featured in the Induction. He is tricked into believing he is a gentleman.
A Lord A gentleman who delights in duping Sly after he finds him passed out on his property.
A page, servants, huntsmen All work for or with the Lord to dupe Sly.
Players A travelling troupe of actors who perform the play of Katherine and Petruchio before Sly, the Lord, and the Lord's household.
Katherine Minola Elder daughter of Baptista Minola. She is hard-headed, stubborn, and prone to speaking her mind. Baptista decrees that as the elder daughter, Kate must marry before her younger sister Bianca may do so.
Petruchio A young man of Verona. Through his friend Hortensio, he learns of Katherine and agrees to wed her (for her dowry). What was originally a business venture, though, turns to love as the story unfolds.
Bianca Minola Younger daughter of Baptista Minola. Bianca is loved by Gremio, Hortensio, and Lucentio but cannot have serious suitors or marry until her older sister Katherine has done so. Bianca is clearly Baptista's favorite daughter, although she may not be as sweet as she appears.
Baptista Minola The father of Katherine and Bianca.
Hortensio A suitor to Bianca. He enters the Minola household disguised as Litio, the music tutor. Eventually, he marries the Widow.
Lucentio Son of Vincentio. He is in love with Bianca and woos her disguised as Cambio, the tutor.
Tranio A servant to Lucentio. He agrees to impersonate his master and pretend to woo Bianca for him while Lucentio is disguised as Cambio.
Gremio A foolish old man; suitor to Bianca.
Grumio Petruchio's servant.
Biondello A servant to Lucentio.
Vincentio A gentleman of Pisa; father of Lucentio.
A Pedant A teacher from Mantua. He agrees to impersonate Vincentio for Tranio (unaware he is disguising himself as Lucentio).
A Widow A rich woman whom Hortensio marries after he loses Bianca. She is contemptuous of Kate but also shrewish in her own way.