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).