How do dreams or visions play a role in the character's revelations?

In "Fifth Business," dreams and visions are pivotal to the development of characters and their understanding of themselves. They serve as reflections of internal conflicts, illuminating issues that the characters might not fully grasp in their waking lives. For example, the protagonist, Dunstan Ramsay, experiences dreams that reveal his psychological struggles and traumas stemming from his childhood. These moments of clarity within the dreams often guide him toward deeper self-awareness and understanding of his relationships and past experiences.

The dreams do not merely serve to entertain or confuse the characters; instead, they act as a conduit for personal growth, encouraging them to confront their inner dilemmas. Dunstan's visions allow him to reflect on his role in the events surrounding him and to grapple with themes of guilt, identity, and the concept of being a "fifth business," or essential yet often overlooked character in the lives of others. This mechanism of dreams as reflections of internal conflict enriches the narrative, allowing for profound revelations that contribute significantly to character development and thematic depth in the story.