Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler focuses on an American dystopian society in the 2030s. The novel is set in California, which is characterized by socioeconomic problems. The main character of the story, Lauren, believes in defeating the current regime, which is made up of Christian America Crusaders, and fighting for a better life.

In the book, the current president is Andrew Steele Jarrett, and his followers are Christian America Crusader fanatics. Jarrett's regime has brought no positive change in the country. The worrying state of the nation prompts Lauren to fight back and form a movement known as Earthseed, which is opposed to the ideologies of Andrew Jarrett and his followers.

Lauren and her followers prepare to make significant changes in their society. However, they underestimate the powerful forces against them, which results in the abduction of Lauren's daughter and further oppression from the current regime.