How does a tyrant seize total power? A tyrant seizes power by bullying the common people, using fear as the primary motivation to gain power. A tyrant works with the people whose ideals he or she represents then seizes total power, sharing none with supporters. A tyrant is elected by the people into a presidency because a tyrant believes in letting the people lead the way. A tyrant gives power to the faction of people who named him or her “protector.”