You can focus on building a large navy early for war.
You can take some emphasis off the fleet and research more getting a navy later on to attack.
You can do either of the above with focus on peaceful expansion.
While doing this you can focus on building your cities up for economic growth.
Or you can build them up to produce good military units.
Your teching can be focussed on wonders, culture, or other peaceful techs or military techs (land and/or sea).
You can be a loyal person making lots of trade agreements and not backstabbing people
You can attack and try to destroy everyone despite good relations.
The navy would be one aspect of the game. It works in concert with many others, both directly or indirectly.
There are going to be a number of personality values for the leaders. It is the combination of these that will give them unique character.
In addition to their UU and traits.
You can take some emphasis off the fleet and research more getting a navy later on to attack.
You can do either of the above with focus on peaceful expansion.
While doing this you can focus on building your cities up for economic growth.
Or you can build them up to produce good military units.
Your teching can be focussed on wonders, culture, or other peaceful techs or military techs (land and/or sea).
You can be a loyal person making lots of trade agreements and not backstabbing people
You can attack and try to destroy everyone despite good relations.
The navy would be one aspect of the game. It works in concert with many others, both directly or indirectly.
There are going to be a number of personality values for the leaders. It is the combination of these that will give them unique character.
In addition to their UU and traits.