The Taming of the Shrew · Character

Grumio

Petruchio's quick-tongued, put-upon servant, whose comic abuse and deadpan asides reveal the absurdity of his master's wild methods.

supporting

Also known as Nathaniel, Grumio Nathaniel, Grumio Ay, Grumio Katharine the curst, sirrah Grumio, good Grumio, Grumio Villain, Enter Grumio, Petruchio Grumio, Grumio Biondello, Nicholas Fellow Grumio, Hortensio Grumio, Grumio Master, Sirrah Grumio

First appearance: the taming of the shrew

As a supporting figure in The Taming of the Shrew, Grumio is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Petruchio's servant, who comments humorously on his master's boldness and the schemes of the suitors.

In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free

See Grumio in Scene II Book page

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Grumio is Petruchio's long-suffering manservant, dragged from Verona to Padua and into the chaotic business of taming Katharina. He endures his master's blows and insults with grumbling wit, and his running commentary — 'O this woodcock, what an ass it is!' — punctures the pretensions of suitors and masters alike. His scenes at Petruchio's country house, where he is starved and abused alongside the servants, show the collateral damage of the taming game and supply some of the play's sharpest comedy.

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The fuller portrait of Grumio sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Grumio in the taming of the shrew

Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how Grumio sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Petruchio's household servants
Bianca's suitors and family
Protagonist

+17 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Katharina’s desp…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Petruchio
professional · ambivalent
Grumio is Petruchio's long-suffering servant, often the butt of his master's jokes and… How this plays out →
Curtis
professional · positive
Katharina
professional · negative
Petruchio
professional · ambivalent
Grumio is Petruchio's long-suffering servant, often the butt of his master's jokes and… How this plays out →
Petruchio
professional · ambivalent
Grumio is Petruchio's long-suffering servant, often the butt of his master's jokes and… How this plays out →
Katharina
professional · negative
Curtis
professional · positive
Katharina
professional · negative

Petruchio
Grumio is Petruchio's long-suffering servant, often the butt of his master's jokes and harsh treatment, yet loyal and complicit in his schemes.
Curtis
Curtis is a fellow servant in Petruchio's household who shares gossip and complaints with Grumio about their master's behavior.
Katharina
Grumio serves Katharina after her marriage, often enduring her sharp tongue and Petruchio's orders to deprive her of food and rest.
Petruchio
Grumio is Petruchio's long-suffering servant, often the butt of his master's jokes and harsh treatment, yet loyal and complicit in his schemes.
Petruchio
Grumio is Petruchio's long-suffering servant, often the butt of his master's jokes and harsh treatment, yet loyal and complicit in his schemes.
Katharina
Grumio serves Katharina after her marriage, often enduring her sharp tongue and Petruchio's orders to deprive her of food and rest.
Curtis
Curtis is a fellow servant in Petruchio's household who shares gossip and complaints with Grumio about their master's behavior.
Katharina
Grumio serves Katharina after her marriage, often enduring her sharp tongue and Petruchio's orders to deprive her of food and rest.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Grumio in the taming of the shrew

In the story

Grumio appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Petruchio's servant, who comments humorously on his master's boldness and the schemes of the suitors.
Scene I
Sent ahead to prepare the house; he recounts the journey and engages in comic banter with Curtis.
Scene I
One of the serving-men; he greets Grumio and reports that all is ready for Petruchio.
Scene III
Torments Katharina by naming foods but refusing to serve them. He later quarrels with the tailor over the gown's construction, defending his orders.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Grumio unlock in the free preview.

See Grumio in the taming of the shrew

See Grumio in Scene II