What is the significance of the title “Fifth Business” in relation to Dunstan’s role?

The title "Fifth Business" carries profound significance that reflects Dunstan Ramsay's role in the narrative. In theatrical terms, "Fifth Business" refers to a character who is not the protagonist or antagonist, yet remains crucial to the plot's progression and development of other characters. Dunstan embodies this role as he acts as a catalyst for the lives of other key figures in the story, particularly those of Boy Staunton and Leola.

His position is integral because he serves both as an observer and participant in the transformative events around him. Through his character arc, we witness how his experiences, insights, and actions influence the broader themes of guilt, identity, and the interplay between personal and communal narratives. As a result, Dunstan’s status as "Fifth Business" signifies his essential contribution to the unfolding of the story, reinforcing that every character, regardless of their apparent significance, plays a vital role in the greater narrative tapestry.