Ender

"Not a bad name here. Ender. Finisher. Hey."

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Description

Ender Wiggins is a third child in a world that only allows for two children, and he's also the last hope for mankind. He's talented, just as his brother and sister were before him, but in order to defeat an alien species he has to be much more than that. So before he even becomes a teenager, Ender is launched into space to learn combat training at The Battle School with other children culled from around the world.

Even at the age of six, Ender is different. As he becomes involved in The Battle School challenges it becomes clear that Ender is meant to lead. And as those around him improve, the challenges only become harder.

Character classes

Dragon Army Commander

Ender is a natural commander, able to think on his feet and prepare in advance for battles, both in space and in one-to-one brawls that take place in the story. He not only commands, but he teaches.

Abilities

Combat Awareness

Ender is always aware of the tactics and strategies occurring all around him. He applies tactics to the Battle School as well as in his life.

Empathy

Ender's flaw, or great strength, is his ability to understand his enemy.

Instruction

People not only benefit from Ender's command, but from his instruction.

Intelligence

Ender's intelligence gives him mastery over computer systems, science concepts, and sneaking around the Battle School.

Solitude

Being the best means being alone. Ender is separated from friends and family due to his capabilties.

Equipment

None

The only equipment Ender seems to need at all times is a communication device to relay orders to his Army, his spaceships and his friends.s

Allies

Valentine

Ender's sister and protector while on earth.

Alai

An Islamic student in The Battle School, Alai becomes one of his greatest lieutenants.

Petra

While serving under Bonzo, Ender befriends the only girl in the Salamanders Army.

Dink

He's one of the best commanders in the Battle School, but he refuses to kowtow to the adults' game of moving him up to Command.

Bean

The smallest squaddie in his army, Bean could be Ender if Ender hadn't reached the Battle School first. Instead he operates a unit under Ender's command tasked with developing new strategies.

 

Enemies

Stilson

A childhood tormentor, Stilson terrorizes Ender at school.

Peter

Ender's brother and tormentor at home. He's sadistic to animals as well as to their sister, Valentine.

Colonel Graff

Mentor and trainer for Ender, he demands plenty from the young boy and can be seen as an enemy from time to time throughout the book.

Bonzo Madrid

Bonzo is Ender's original commander and tormentor in the Battle School. His goal is to bully people, not instruct them.

The Buggers

The hero Mazer Rackhem defeated this alien race in space combat before, but now the Battle School is prepping the world's brightest children to face them for one final showdown.

Exploration

The Battle School

A space station that operates as a training facility for future military leaders.

Battle Room

Combat simulations take place in zero gravity as Armies float about trying to capture the enemy's gate.

Command School

Here Ender operates ships in a pod simulator as opposed to floating about the Battle Room.

Virtual Game

The game represents Ender's psychology, and as he plays the game modifies to match his mental weaknesses.

Quests

Stop the bullies

At least twice in his life Ender has to find a way to stop the bullies from coming after him.

Survive battle school

Ender is ordered to not fire his gun in battle by Commander Bonzo.

Train the squaddies

Once everyone realizes that Ender is a tactical genius, they either study his practices or train under him.

Become the best

The challenges change when Ender starts commanding the Dragon Army. They fight two armies in one day, face uneven fields of fire, and even multiple teams at once.

Command the space fleets

After Battle School Ender doesn't want to return for Command School.

 

Credits

I still haven't tracked down the artist for this book cover

 

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