The audience is introduced to the two sisters in the first scene of the play proper. From the beginning the sister's characters are established and the rules of marriage are outlined by Baptista, their father. Bianca, the youngest who has scores of suitors, is not allowed to marry until Katherina has a husband.

The male dominance in this scene is evident as they pass judgment on the two daughters. We are introduced to their characters through men and their perceptions.

Grumio declares Katherina is `Katherine the cursed', while Lucentio compares Bianca to Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom.

The two sisters are perceived to be very different. Their personalities are opposites. They appear to have the stereotypical relationship with tension and sibling rivalry.

In the beginning of Act 2 Scene 1, Katherina is abusing Bianca. We can see the violent relationship they have. It is Katherina who is shown as...