# Baptista Minola — The Taming of the Shrew character guide

> Baptista Minola in The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Petruchio Signior Baptista, Baptista, old Baptista, Signior Baptista, Signior Baptista Minola, Minola, Enter Baptista, Baptista Gentlemen, Baptista Padua, Exit Baptista, Baptista Ay, Baptista Why, Baptista Sir, Baptista Faith, Baptista Talk, Baptista Good morrow, Baptista Lucentio, Reenter Baptista, Baptista Neighbours

**First appearance:** 0000-the-taming-of-the-shrew

## Snapshot

The wealthy Paduan father who decrees that his fierce elder daughter must wed before anyone may court the younger, setting the whole comedy in motion.

## Who they are

Baptista Minola is a prosperous gentleman of Padua, father to Katharina and Bianca, and the gatekeeper of both daughters' futures. He is affectionate but calculating, refusing to let Bianca marry until her 'curst' sister is off his hands, and he weighs suitors by their pedigree and gifts. His decree drives the play's central schemes — Petruchio's wooing, Lucentio's disguise, and the parade of tutors — making him the pivot on which every courtship turns.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i)

Announces that Bianca cannot marry until Katharina is wed, and decides to hire schoolmasters for Bianca.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i)

Intervenes in the sisters' quarrel, welcomes the suitors, and agrees to Petruchio's marriage to Katharina.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii)

Anxious about Petruchio's absence, welcomes him despite his attire, and later arranges for Lucentio to take the bridegroom's place at the feast.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iv)

Agrees to the match between Lucentio and Bianca after being convinced by the fake Vincentio.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/baptista
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters