On one such occasion he escapes into a book shop where the old proprieter reveals an ancient story-book to him, which he is warned can be dangerous. Bastian is a young boy who lives a dreary life being tormented by school bullies. Bastian Balthazar Bux is the main protagonist in The Neverending Story.. Bastian is a shy and bookish boy around 12 years old who is neglected by his father, who is still mourning the sudden death of his wife (she died of an unspecified illness). Bastian Balthazar Bux The Hero and Audience Surrogate, Bastian borrows the Neverending Story from Mr. Coreander and discovers its wonders and how it is actually a real Magical Land, learning of his required involvement to keep it alive. Bastian Balthazar Bux is a shy and bookish boy around 12 years old who is raised by his father and still mourning the sudden death of his mother (she died of an unspecified illness). He is a dreamer, who is shunned by other children due to his immense imagination. Novel Edit. Absurdly …