The successful courtier had to walk a tightrope, pleasing but not pleasing too much, obeying but somehow distinguishing himself from the other courtiers, while also never distinguishing himself so far as to make the ruler insecure.
Great courtiers throughout history have mastered the science of manipulating people. They make the king feel more kingly; they make everyone else fear their power.
They are magicians of appearance, knowing that most things at court are judged by how they seem.
Great courtiers are gracious and polite; their aggression is veiled and indirect.
Masters of the word, they never say more than necessary, getting the most out of a compliment or hidden insult.
They are magnets of pleasure—people want to be around them because they know how to please, yet they neither fawn nor humiliate themselves.
Great courtiers become the king’s favorites, enjoying the benefits of that position. They often end up more powerful than the ruler, for they are wizards in the accumulation of influence.
Robert Greene