In posing as Demosthenes, Valentine finds herself sympathizing with his positions and stops being afraid of becoming him. How does this fit with the novel’s themes about good and evil

Throughout Ender's Game, the line between good and evil acts is continually blurred. Is it acceptable to commit an evil act in order to protect oneself? By using the pen name, Demosthenes, we can see that Valentine doesn't trust Peter, but that she can see the truth in his words. Further, she can also see that Peter's empathy, so often used to exploit the weaknesses of individuals, might better be used to manipulate the masses. Valentine's willingness to accept that people are not capable of self-governance, that they require manipulation, shows that some of Peter's arrogance exists within Valentine. The question here is: Can Valentine temper Peter's ambition, or will Peter lure Valentine into a moral abyss?

In Chapter 13, we see that Valentine is starting to enjoy playing Demosthenes, earning a lot of attention from high-powered people, though she is still humiliated whenever her father agrees with the character. Peter somewhat resents Demosthenes success and is concerned that Valentine will blow her cover. Valentines, meanwhile, finds herself becoming increasingly sympathetic and agreeable to her character, pondering that perhaps one can't take on a role without becoming the thing that you pretend to be.