Bastian is a lonely boy who struggles with school bullies and a strained relationship with his grieving father. He possesses a vivid imagination and a deep passion for reading. Hiding in his school's attic, he immerses himself in a stolen book about a magical kingdom, soon discovering his thoughts directly influence the story.

Atreyu is a young, brave hunter from the Grass People tribe. Despite his youth, he is chosen to find a cure for the sick ruler of Fantastica. He relies on his tracking skills and the magical medallion AURYN to guide him across the dangerous lands.

The Childlike Empress is the center of all life in Fantastica. She is an ageless leader who does not make rules or judge her subjects, existing instead as a unifying life force. Her mysterious illness causes the physical destruction of her world by an anomaly known as the Nothing.

Mr. Coreander is an intimidating bookshop owner who openly expresses his dislike for children. He inadvertently leaves a captivating volume unattended on his chair.

Bastian's father is a man consumed by grief following the death of his wife. His emotional withdrawal creates a wall of silence between him and his son, leaving him unaware of Bastian's daily struggles.

Bastian's late mother passed away before the events of the story. Her death profoundly impacts her family, fracturing the bond between her husband and son.

Cairon is a highly revered centaur doctor in Fantastica. He bears the heavy responsibility of carrying the magical amulet AURYN to the young hero tasked with saving the kingdom.

Artax is a talking horse and the loyal companion to the young hunter. He carries his rider across difficult terrain as they search for a cure for their ruler.

Morla is a wise, massive turtle who lives in the treacherous swamps. She possesses critical knowledge regarding the cure for the kingdom's illness but cares little for the fate of the world.

Ygramul is a fearsome, monstrous spider creature who traps victims in her web. Her bite is lethal but possesses a secondary, magical property that allows victims to teleport anywhere in the world.

Falkor is a luckdragon, a creature of the air who thrives on optimism. He serves as a steadfast, flying companion for the kingdom's heroes and frequently advises them to trust in their luck.

Gmork is a dark, shadow-like werewolf who possesses the ability to travel between different dimensions. He acts as an agent of destruction, seeking to hunt down the chosen savior of Fantastica.

Engywook is an elderly gnome professor who dedicates his life to studying the Southern Oracle. He provides crucial instructions regarding the three magical gates that protect the Oracle.

Urgl is a female healing gnome who uses natural remedies and medicines to cure the injured. She works alongside her scholarly husband to prepare travelers for dangerous paths.

Uyulala is the invisible Southern Oracle who resides in a forest of columns. She communicates entirely in rhyming verse and guards the secret to saving the kingdom.

The Old Man of Wandering Mountain is a mysterious sage who writes the ongoing history of the world in a book. He records events exactly as they happen, effectively shaping reality through his documentation.

Grograman is a massive, flame-colored lion who rules a shifting desert environment. He lives a cyclical existence, turning to stone at night and regenerating in the morning.

Hero Hynreck is an ambitious knight in the Silver City of Amarganth. He seeks glory in combat to win the affections of a beautiful princess.

Xayide is a cunning sorceress who controls hollow entities through sheer force of will. She offers gifts and strategic advice to powerful individuals in an attempt to bend them to her desires.

Dame Eyola is a motherly plant-woman who provides fresh fruit and comfort to guests. She offers nurturing care and wisdom about discovering one's true desires.

Yor is a blind miner who extracts forgotten human dreams from the bedrock. He lives a quiet, isolated life and assists travelers in unearthing lost memories.

Argax is a monkey who inhabits an illogical, chaotic city. He explains the sad state of the city's residents, who are trapped there due to poor choices.