logo

77 pages 2 hours read

Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game

Orson Scott CardFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Character Analysis

Andrew (Ender) Wiggin

Ender Wiggin is the novel’s protagonist and, according to the I.F., humanity’s last chance for survival. He is a sharp, solemn, well-intentioned child when Graff recruits him for Battle School, where the adults isolate and harden him into a commander—or, as Ender sees it, a destroyer. As one Battle School student notes early on, the name “Ender” indicates that he finishes things. Unfortunately for Ender, who has no desire to hurt anyone, he applies his need to “end” things to his opponents. He doesn’t just win battles, he must eliminate the threat altogether, making “it impossible for them to ever hurt [him] again” (168). This is the psychology that makes Ender the chosen one in Graff’s eyes: kind, but does what is necessary to survive.

Even while mercilessly victorious, Ender never shakes his good nature, which makes him a commander who others loyally follow. He defies bullies in his own understated way, manipulating their emotions and situations so others see their true colors. Though he often speaks harshly to his army during practices, he mentors individuals patiently and gently. Ender has the gift to inspire; he gives his soldiers a heartening speech before sending his exhausted army to yet another battle: “After that, if he had asked them to follow him to the moon without space suits, they would have done it” (131).

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 77 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools