What is the term a third referring to in the book Ender's Game?

Answer 1

In the Sci-Fi novel, parents are only allowed one child (to find the right sort of children to take part in the Battle School training program), except in special circumstances;

Ender's parents had Peter, who was monitered until he was twelve, but Peter proved to be much to viiolent and sadistic (hence him staking a squirrel to the ground and waiting for it to die...). Because of this, Ender's parents were allowed another child; Valentine. Valentine was not at all like Peter, and in fact, she was too nice, and too loving to be turned into a soldier or commander. So because of this, Ender's parents were allowed a 'third', and Ender of course proved to be the perfect balance between Peter and Valentine.

Being a third would be vary rare, and as the book states, Ender was the only 'third' in his school. Human nature being what it is, Ender was targeted for being different to the other students, and was bullied.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

In the book Ender's Game, the term "a Third" refers to a third child in a family, which is considered rare and significant in the setting of the story. Children who are a "Third" are subject to societal discrimination and are often viewed as outcasts because of population control laws limiting families to having only two children.