Livia, one of the main characters in the biography, "I, Claudius" plays an important role; throughout the book Livia has displayed many characteristics. Many times she has displayed that she is devious and also clever. And on many occasions she has shown that she is frugal, she has demonstrates that she is very determined. Livia furthermore displays that she is a tyrant. .
Livia demonstrates that she is devious by lying to Claudius's grandfather, Drusus Nero, saying that she was pregnant so that she could marry Augustus, as he was about to become Emperor of Rome. She moreover proves that she is devious when she pretends to be upset about Julia committing adultery because of a drug that Livia gave her. "Now divorce me. I am already five months gone with a child, and you are not the father. I made a vow that I would not bear another child to a coward, and I intend to keep it." Livia had said this when she wanted to marry Augustus instead of Drusus. "I was confident that you really knew all about it and that the subject was too painful for you to discuss even with me ." Livia had said this when she had banished Julia to Pandataria, a small island. .
Livia displays that she is clever by saying something that had saved her from embarrassment from Augustus, Germanicus and Claudius. She furthermore proves that she is clever by she insulting Postumus when he tried to defend himself against the accusations made by Livilla. She in addition to shows that she is clever when she manipulates Marcia, wife of Fabius who was a close friend of Augustus's when she wants to find out what was happening behind her back. "And served him right. That's what comes of underrating one's opponents. I"m disappointed in that net-man. Still, it has saved that five hundred in gold, so I can't complain, I suppose." Livia had said that when she had bet money on who would win during the Games dedicated to Claudius's deceased father.