# Grumio — The Taming of the Shrew character guide

> Grumio in The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** 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:** 0000-the-taming-of-the-shrew

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Petruchio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/petruchio)

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/curtis)

_professional_

Curtis is a fellow servant in Petruchio's household who shares gossip and complaints with Grumio about their master's behavior.

### [Katharina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/katharina)

_professional_

Grumio serves Katharina after her marriage, often enduring her sharp tongue and Petruchio's orders to deprive her of food and rest.

### [Petruchio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/petruchio)

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/petruchio)

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/katharina)

_professional_

Grumio serves Katharina after her marriage, often enduring her sharp tongue and Petruchio's orders to deprive her of food and rest.

### [Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/curtis)

_professional_

Curtis is a fellow servant in Petruchio's household who shares gossip and complaints with Grumio about their master's behavior.

### [Katharina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/katharina)

_professional_

Grumio serves Katharina after her marriage, often enduring her sharp tongue and Petruchio's orders to deprive her of food and rest.

## In the story

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

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

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

Sent ahead to prepare the house; he recounts the journey and engages in comic banter with Curtis.

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

One of the serving-men; he greets Grumio and reports that all is ready for Petruchio.

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

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/characters/grumio
- 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