Hortensio and Gremio are competing suitors for the hand of the beautiful Bianca. However, Bianca's father will not let her wed until after her older sister Katherina has wed. Unfortunately Katherina is known as an ill-tempered shrew and as a result has no prospects. Hortensio and Gremio agree to work together to find someone to marry Katherina so that they will be free to compete for Bianca. But nothing proceeds as expected.
You are called plain Kate, And bonny Kate and sometimes Kate the curst; But Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom Kate of Kate Hall, my super-dainty Kate, For dainties are all Kates, and therefore, Kate, Take this of me, Kate of my consolation.