Theme
The cost of ambition
The idea that reaching for greatness, knowledge, or power exacts a price on the one who pursues it and on those around them.
The cost of ambition in fiction: 6 works
The drive to mass-produce artificial labor for profit destroys humanity itself.
Foyle's obsessive drive for revenge remakes and nearly destroys him.
The reach for enhanced intellect brings Charlie awareness of his own coming loss.
Winning the war costs Ender his innocence and burdens him with unwitting xenocide.
The military's pursuit of harnessed psychic power unleashes uncontrollable catastrophe.
Two magicians' obsessive rivalry consumes their lives and loved ones.