Shortly Petruchio, a gentleman from Verona, and his servant Grumio arrive. Petruchio has come seeking his fortune in the form of a wealthy wife. His friend, Hortensio, informs him he knows just the woman, but the drawback is she is a shrew. Petruchio doesn't care. He's sure he can handle the most unruly woman so long as her dowry is ample. Before the two men venture to Minola's house to meet Kate and her father, Hortensio asks Petruchio to presented him to old Baptista as a schoolmaster so he can court Bianca privately. Petruchio agrees and, on their way to Minola's, they meet Gremio who has agreed to present Lucentio (whom he thinks is really Cambio, a tutor who will speak to Bianca on his behalf) to Baptista. Finally, Tranio (disguised as Lucentio), who also wishes to become one of Bianca's suitors, joins the group.
As the second act opens, Kate enters dragging her sister, providing spectators with a peek at what fuels her anger and spite: Bianca is clearly the more favored daughter, and Kate resents it. Soon Baptista enters, and the girls leave. The bevy of suitors arrives, and all men begin to explain their purpose in calling on Minola. He accepts the gifts of tutors and sends them in the house to begin work. He then discusses Kate's dowry with Petruchio and ends by claiming that, when he has won her love, then he may marry her.
Petruchio and Kate's initial meeting features an embittered and passionate volley of insults and slurs, each person meeting the linguistic challenges posited by the other. Petruchio remains undaunted despite Kate's vehement denial of his advances and insists they will be married on Sunday. In order to save face in front of his peers (after all, Kate's putting up a valiant struggle against him), Petruchio explains that Kate is gentle as a lamb in private, but they've agreed she will be shrewd and curst in public. Baptista, satisfied that his eldest daughter has been won, turns his attention to the marriage of his younger daughter, choosing Tranio (Lucentio) as Bianca's groom, provided he can produce proof of the wealth he claims to have. Lucentio and Hortensio, disguised as Cambio and Litio respectively, continue their attempts to woo Bianca as they pretend to instruct her. She clearly prefers Lucentio, although she is cautious in her judgment.
