In The Hypnotists, Gordon Korman examines the nature of control by exploring both direct and indirect ways of exerting influence over others. Like many science fiction and fantasy novels, Korman uses one supernatural element to symbolize and investigate a very human experience. In this novel, hypnosis is a hyperbolized way of exploring power dynamics and the ethics of control.

Hypnosis is the most direct form of control featured in the novel. It allows a hypnotist to infiltrate the mind of another person and command them to do something against their will, whether it injures them or others. Hypnotized people do not remember what they have done, allowing the hypnotist total control and freedom with seemingly little long-term consequence or accountability. The concept of hypnosis brings up the issue of consent as hypnotists can make people do things that they would never do, or that they have explicitly expressed they do not want to do. Dr. Mako is interested in finding ways to enhance and perfect the hypnotic power, showing his dangerous and opportunistic ambitions. Axel Braintree, on the other hand, recognizes the danger of using this kind of direct control and actively seeks to help other hypnotists stop using their power.