The Imprisonment of Seldon
Seldon is a mathematician and a historian who uses his talent to predict the future. Consequently, the reader recognizes that Seldon is a resourceful person who can help the Galactic Empire mitigate any eventualities in advance. Paradoxically, the efforts of Seldon to warn the empire about its possible collapse fall on deaf ears. Instead of taking caution, the empire's rulers arrest Seldon and send him to prison alongside his friend, Dornick.
The satire of Salvor Hardin
The supreme rulers of the Galactic Empire believe that Salvor Hardin is powerless because he is just a ceremonial mayor of the City of Terminus. Therefore, the Board of Trustees makes vital decisions concerning the city, and Salvor has no control over their decisions. Ironically, the power of Salvor is proved when he organizes a rebellion and manages to overthrow the Board of Trustees and emerges as the most powerful leader. Consequently, Salvor prevents the plans of the Board of Trustees from attacking the Terminus City.
The Collapse of the Roman Empire
At the start, the Roman Empire is depicted as the most powerful and influential kingdom that would never collapse. For instance, the Galactic Empire's rulers represent the Roman Empire's supremacy. The rulers of the kingdom are brutal and manipulating. Paradoxically, towards the end, the reader realizes that Korell collapses, symbolizing the fall of the Roman Empire that was initially the most powerful kingdom.
