Salvor Hardin

Salvor Hardin is the main character of the novel and appears in both the Encyclopedists and the Majors. Hardin is part of the first generation to be born and solely brought up on Terminus and as such has a fierce sense of patriotism. Initially he trained as a psychologist, but his sound political knowledge allows him to take the position of mayor at 31. As mayor, he is determined not to be just a figurehead and fights the Encyclopedists for control of the government. However, his need for control is not necessary just about power, but to evolve the Foundation beyond just a scientific institution and into an important planet in its own right. He argues this is essential in order to prevent other planets from destroying the Foundation.

However, despite Hardin's desire to overthrow the council and protect Terminus, his approach is more psychological than violent. By...