KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS

SETTING

The play is set mainly in the city of Padua, Italy, in various locations. The outside framework of the play, known as SlyÂ’s story or the induction, takes place at an alehouse and the LordÂ’s house in England.. The play within a play begins in Padua in a public place, where several scenes takes place. In Padua, there are also scenes in BaptistaÂ’s house and LucentioÂ’s house. Action also takes place in PetruchioÂ’s country house and on the road between his house and Padua. The setting, therefore, is limited in both place and time.

LIST OF CHARACTERS

Major Characters

Katherine

The protagonist of the play and the shrew referenced in the title. She is the daughter of Baptista and the older sister of Bianca. She has no suitors because of her plain appearance and shrewish nature.

Bianca

KatherineÂ’s younger sister. She has many suitors due to her attractive appearance and personality. She is her fatherÂ’s favorite and liked by everyone for her kind behavior. She falls in love with and marries Lucentio.

Petruchio

A gentleman from Verona who marries Katherine because of her large dowry. After his marriage, he sets in motion a plan to end KatherineÂ’s scornful and unpleasant nature.

Lucentio

A young man from Pisa who falls in love with Bianca. He poses as BiancaÂ’s tutor, wins her heart, and elopes with her. After their marriage, the young couple receives the blessings of both Baptista and Vincentio.

Father of Lucentio.

Baptista Minola

A very rich gentleman of Padua. He is the father of Katherine and Bianca. He always favors Bianca, who has a mild and pleasant nature. Throughout the play, he fails to show his affections for Katherine, the older shrewish daughter.

Table of Contents | Printable Version