The moral complexity of espionage and its impact on spies play a definitive role in the characterization and plot of Stormbreaker. MI6 seeks to protect the country’s interests often at any cost. The heads of MI6 in the novel, Alan Blunt and Mrs. Jones, believe wholeheartedly that the ends justify the means. Blunt is pragmatic and sees eliminating national and global threats as the most important goals. He recruits the 14-year-old Alex after noticing Alex’s athleticism and perceptive nature at Ian’s funeral and the Royal & General office. The fact that Alex is an adolescent does not give him pause. Alex’s skills impress him and make him believe that he could be an invaluable spy like Ian. Mrs. Jones, who is concerned about having a teenager take on such an immense mission as investigating Sayle, questions the decision to use Alex. Blunt justifies it with this statement:

If the boy gets himself killed, at least it will be the final proof that there is something wrong. At the very least it’ll allow me to postpone the Stormbreaker project and take a good hard look at what’s going on at Port Tallon.