Study Guide

Foundation Part V, Chapter 3

By Isaac Asimov

Part V, Chapter 3

At the other end of town, in Mallow's apartment, more political rigmarole is afoot. Jaim Twer is trying to convince Mallow to be the trader's representation in the council.
Mallow conveniently has business next week, so he declines. When Twer hears that Sutt is involved in this business, he has a mild freak out, claiming that Sutt must be trying to get rid of Mallow.
Mallow says he has to work with Sutt, because a Seldon crisis is inbound. Apparently Twer slept through school that day, because he requires Mallow to give another long, drawn-out explanation of what a Seldon crisis is.
Twer wants to know what Mallow's plan is for dealing with the situation, but Mallow just quotes Hardin, who said: "To succeed, planning alone is insufficient. One must improvise as well" (V.3.28).
If we weren't sure until now, we have our protagonist. If you quote Hardin in a Foundation story, you become the protagonist by default.
Mallow asks Twer to go with him. Why not? The trip only has potentially world-shattering consequences attached. Might be fun.