"Ender Wiggin, if it were just a matter of choosing the best and happiest future for you, I'd tell you to stay home. Stay here, grow up, be happy. There are worse things than being a Third, worse things than a big brother who can't make up his mind whether to be a human or a jackal. Battle School is one of those worse things."-Colonel Graff
A conversation between 2 unnamed people begins chapter one, from which we gather that a child is going to go through some tough times, since the people think he can save the world. Chapter one covers the removal of Ender's monitor. The monitor is the way that the scientists monitor children. Monitors allow the scientists to track everything the children do, even what they think. They are trying to find the genius children, because the world is threatened by an alien species referred to as 'the buggers.' When the monitors are removed, it is assumed by the child and their families that the child didn't meet the requirements to be sent to Battle School. Battle School is the place where children are trained in command. After Ender's monitor comes out, he is teased by a boy named Stilson. Stilson knows Ender is a Third, the derisive name used for an extra child who is born because their older siblings showed command potential. Ender beats Stilson, which brings a visitor to his home.
In chapter two, the mystery people are discussing the likely possibility that they will 'screw him (Ender) up,' and how they are the wicked witch that promises gingerbread and then eat the 'little bastards' alive. Then we meet Peter, Ender's evil older brother. Peter is mean to both Ender and their sister (older than Ender, but younger than Peter), including making death threats. That night, when Peter thinks Ender is asleep, he whispers to him that he's sorry and he loves him.
Chapter three revolves around Colonel Graff coming to take Ender to Battle School. He tells Ender that it is his choice, but they really need him. Ender is 6, and they tell him he won't be able to come home until he is 12, and he won' be done with schooling until he turns 16. While Graff tries to persuade Ender to come by telling him they wouldn't be asking unless it was completely necessary, and leaving means losing Valentine, the main reason he chooses to go is to escape Peter.
