Cicero (whose surname means "chickpea") comes from a family of some means, although he is not a member of the nobility. Cicero was born in Arpinum and moved to Rome with his family when he was eight years old. At the time of the narrative, Cicero is twenty-six years old, although Gordianus thinks he looks slightly older. Not an especially handsome young man, Cicero is of medium height, with thinning hair, a large forehead and a fleshy nose. Gordianus points out that Cicero's neck is quite long and that he has a very prominent Adam's apple. His chest is described as "thin" and his shoulders are narrow. Cicero has a very delicate digestive system and often forgoes food altogether. Temperamentally, he is somewhat high-strung and he has a tendency to anger quickly. Cicero, a man of great personal discipline and decorum, is unmarried. He neither carouses nor gambles and he encourages moderation in all things. A brilliant orator and fearless advocate, Cicero's speaking voice nonetheless leaves much to be desired.