Petruchio's bride is KATE, a four-letter word. KATE is the main female character in William Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew. She is the daughter of Baptista Minola, a wealthy merchant of Padua, and is sought after by many suitors. Petruchio, a gentleman from Verona, eventually wins her hand in marriage. Throughout the play, KATE is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent woman who is eventually tamed by Petruchio.