Who is the protagonist of "Fifth Business"?

Dunstan Ramsay is indeed the protagonist of "Fifth Business." His character is central to the narrative, as the story is told from his perspective. As a boy from a small town, Dunstan's life is profoundly affected by a traumatic incident in his childhood that sets him on a path of introspection, learning, and exploration of what it means to be a "fifth business"—a term he uses to describe the role of a supporting character who is essential to the story's unfolding but who is not the main hero or heroine.

Throughout the novel, Dunstan grapples with themes of guilt, responsibility, and the search for identity. His relationships with other characters, such as Boy Staunton and Mary Dempsey, provide insight into his internal struggles and reflect the larger themes of the novel, such as the nature of good and evil, the impact of childhood experiences, and the complexity of human relationships.

The other characters mentioned—Boy Staunton, Mary Dempsey, and Leola—play significant roles in the narrative, but they are not the focal point through which the themes and story are primarily explored. Rather, they serve to illuminate Dunstan's character and journey.