Claudius, of course, is a former diplomat, with the self-taught skill of ‘reading the room’ — a mix of observation, interpretation, and situational awareness. But as a former diplomat, he takes a certain glee in turning it off. It takes the guesswork out, forces people to use their words, and lets him have a little fun in the meantime. With a smirk, “Oh, let’s see. What’s your ideal man? Do you prefer fair-haired artists, or athletic brunets?”