Lucintio is a young man from Pisa, who has traveled to Padua to study at the university there. He wants to marry Bianca.
Tranio is Lucentio’s servant and has traveled with him from Pisa to Padua to study at the university.
Baptista Minola is a wealthy man in Padua. He has two daughters, Katherina and Bianca. Although Bianca has potential suitors, he will not allow her to marry until Katherina has a husband. He views marriage as a financial and legal transaction that must be negotiated.
Katherine is the eldest daughter of Baptista Minola. She has a reputation for rude and aggressive behavior. Her father wants her to marry but is struggling to find a husband for her.
Bianca is the youngest daughter of Baptista Minola. She has three suitors who want to marry her; Gremio, Hortensio, and Lucentio.
Gremio is an old man and a friend of Baptista. He is a suitor to Bianca and would like to marry her.
Hortinsio is friends with both Baptista and Petruchio. He is a suitor to Bianca and would like to marry her.
Petruchio is a wealthy gentleman from Verona, who is looking for a wife. Upon hearing about Katherina and her temperament, he decides he will take on the challenge of marrying her.
Grumio is Petruchio’s servant and has traveled with him from Verona to Padua.
