Ambition and status-seeking is the driving force behind a number of the characters in The Notorious Benedict Arnold, notably Arnold himself and John André. Arnold comes from a prosperous merchant family that falls on hard times. The family becomes a byword among the other townspeople, and Arnold is determined to rise above everybody who thought ill of him. This is his main motivation for pursuing a military profession. Ambition certainly drives John André as he rises in the ranks of the British military and seeks to maintain his footing there. 

Ambition is also the motivating force for Horatio Gates. He is born in England as the illegitimate son of a duke and emigrates to America in an effort to rise above his background. At the age of 50, Gates sees the war—and in particular, the Battle of Saratoga, a decisive conflict—as a chance to achieve renown.  

The theme of rivalry first plays itself out between Arnold and Ethan Allen. Unbeknownst to each of them, both men have formed militias to attack Fort Ticonderoga. Arnold confronts Allen and demands to be given sole command of the operation. Allen is backed up by his Green Mountain Boys, but he agrees on a compromise to share leadership with Arnold.