Ruthlessness in Ender’s Game Orson Scott Card wrote, “It was forbidden to strike the opponent who lay helpless on the ground; only an animal would do that. So Ender walked to Stilson’s supine body and kicked him, again, viciously, in the ribs,” (Card 7). Right and wrong in the eyes of a child can become mixed and almost indistinguishable at times. Ruthlessness tends to be classified “wrong” and plays into Ender’s story as a theme. It can be considered necessary in situations; however, Ender often participates in instances in which it cannot be justified. Ruthlessness, necessary or unnecessary, causes major decisions to be made which influence the overall plot, character behavior, and character development. Graff, Peter, and Ender have proven