3. Graff

The chapter opens with officials noting that Ender’s love for Valentine is a vulnerability and planning to manipulate his choice. At breakfast, Ender dreads facing Stilson at school. An International Fleet officer arrives, alarming the family and interrupting their routine.

In the parlor, the officer questions Ender about the fight. Ender explains he kept kicking to prevent future attacks. The officer, Colonel Hyrum Graff, then reveals the altercation was part of Ender’s final evaluation and invites him to Battle School, to his parents’ distress.

Graff insists the choice is Ender’s and speaks privately with him. He warns there will be no visits or early returns, and that separation will estrange Ender from Valentine. Graff recounts Ender’s parents’ religious past and social pressures, arguing Ender’s existence creates tension at home and that Peter resents him, while Valentine loves him completely.

Graff outlines Battle School’s academics, intense zero-gravity war games, and the rarity of girls there. He contrasts Peter’s rejection with Ender’s balanced traits. He frames the existential bugger threat and invokes Mazer Rackham’s past victory to emphasize stakes and urgency.

Ender weighs fear, family bonds, and duty. Concluding that refusal would negate his purpose, he agrees to go. After farewells from his parents, a taunt from Peter, and a desperate plea from Valentine, Ender takes Graff’s hand and leaves for Battle School.