Ender's Game Summary
Author: Orson Scott Card
This page offers our Ender's Game summary (Orson Scott Card's book). It opens with an overview of the book, and follows with a concise chapter-by-chapter summary.
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Overview
Ender Wiggin, a young prodigy and the third child in a family of geniuses, is selected by global military forces to prevent Earth's annihilation. Before his selection, Ender was monitored by the military chiefs through a unique device, enabling them to perceive the world as he did. His siblings, Peter and Valentine, previously wore this monitor but weren't chosen, leading to an enduring resentment from Peter. Ender, the target of ire from his brother and schoolmates, is compelled to brutally defend himself against bullies. Despite Valentine's efforts to shield Ender from Peter, it is Colonel Graff from the International Fleet who ultimately offers him refuge by transporting him to Battle School, leaving behind a loving Valentine.
In the Battle School, situated on a distant spacecraft, Ender exhibits an exceptional ability to visualize gravitational effects. Ender manages to break the isolation imposed on him by befriending a few fellow recruits, known as Launchies, and showcasing his prowess in the battleroom simulations, particularly a computer game known as the mind game. His achievements attract military attention, leading to his sudden promotion to Salamander Army. Despite hostility from the army commander, Bonzo Madrid, Ender flourishes under the mentorship of Petra Arkanian, the army's only girl, and successfully contributes to their efforts. His advancement and teaching methods, however, breed resentment among his peers, leading to physical conflicts.
Meanwhile, Peter and Valentine, disguised on global networks, begin to manipulate world events. While Ender rises in rank and esteem, his emotional struggles persist until a letter from Valentine restores his resolve. Ender, now the commander of Dragon Army, revolutionizes their strategy, leading them to victory in numerous battles. Following a brutal confrontation with Bonzo, Ender is transferred to Command School where he is put under the tutelage of Mazer Rackham, humanity's savior from a previous alien invasion. Ender, under the impression he is participating in simulations, leads several battles against the enemy species. He discovers, however, that these were real encounters, and he has inadvertently committed genocide against the alien race. Despite his manipulation, he understands the military's desperate need for his compassion and strategic brilliance. As Peter assumes global control, Ender embarks on a colonization mission with Valentine, pledging to find a new home for the alien race he exterminated.
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