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.”