Several minor characters from the books are introduced in this episode in the Foundation government:
- Director Sermak, i.e. Sef Sermak in the books, who was Salvor Hardin's young political opponent in "The Mayors";
- Councilor Sutt, i.e. Mayoral Secretary Jorane Sutt in the books, who assigned Hober Mallow to his mission on Korell in "The Merchant Princes";
- Brigadier Manlio, i.e. Foreign Secretary Publis Manlio in the books, who was allied with Sutt.