"Fifth Business" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Dunstan Ramsay

Dunstan Ramsay, the protagonist of the novel, is portrayed as a reliable narrator and the "fifth business" of the story. He serves as the link between various characters and events, providing insights into the lives of others without having a central role in their stories.

Percy Boyd Staunton

Percy Boyd Staunton, also known as Boy Staunton, is the antagonist of the story. He is depicted as a successful, ambitious, and manipulative individual who becomes Dunstan Ramsay's lifelong rival. Boyd's actions drive the narrative and impact the lives of numerous characters.

Boy Staunton

Boy Staunton, initially portrayed as a confident and accomplished young man, is Dunstan Ramsay's childhood friend turned rival. He craves power, wealth, and social status, often at the expense of others. Boy's character acts as a symbol of the destructive effects of materialistic pursuits.

Leola Cruikshank

Leola Cruikshank, a supporting character, is initially Dunstan Ramsay's love interest. She represents innocence and idealized femininity. Leola's tragic life journey presents the complexities of personal growth and the consequences of societal expectations.

Mary Dempster

Mary Dempster, a pivotal character in the story, is referred to as "Mrs. Ramsay" by Dunstan Ramsay. She experiences a traumatic event that alters her mental state, becoming the catalyst for various character arcs. Mary embodies the concept of possessing extraordinary powers hidden within an ordinary person.

Paul Dempster

Paul Dempster, son of Mary Dempster, plays a significant role in the lives of several characters. Abandoned by his mother and marked by a mysterious childhood incident, Paul embarks on a transformative journey that explores the themes of identity, redemption, and forgiveness.

Diana Marfleet

Diana Marfleet, a supporting character, serves as Dunstan Ramsay's confidante and love interest. She represents stability, compassion, and emotional support in his life. Diana's presence offers a sense of balance and solace within the novel's intricate relationships.

Character Descriptions

Dunstan Ramsay

Dunstan Ramsay is a mild-mannered and introspective man. He is physically unremarkable but possesses a keen intellect and a deep sense of moral responsibility. Throughout the narrative, Dunstan is portrayed as a reliable observer, meticulously analyzing the lives of others while reflecting on his own choices and experiences.

Percy Boyd Staunton

Percy Boyd Staunton, known as Boy Staunton, is a charismatic and influential figure. With his captivating personality and persuasive abilities, he ascends the social ladder to become a prominent businessman and politician. However, his success does not shield him from his moral shortcomings and the consequences of his actions.

Boy Staunton

Boy Staunton is depicted as a handsome and confident individual, excelling in academics, sports, and social interactions. However, his relentless pursuit of power and material wealth blinds him to the impact his choices have on others. Boy's character ultimately unravels as the weight of his secrets and past actions catch up to him.

Leola Cruikshank

Leola Cruikshank is initially portrayed as a beautiful and enchanting woman, capturing Dunstan Ramsay's heart. As the story progresses, her life takes a tragic turn, leading her to experience hardships and sufferings. Despite her limited presence, Leola symbolizes the duality of happiness and sorrow in life.

Mary Dempster

Mary Dempster, affectionately referred to as "Mrs. Ramsay," is a woman marked by tragedy and misunderstood by society. After a mentally distressing event, she becomes an outcast in the small town of Deptford, challenging societal norms. Mary's character showcases the power of forgiveness, compassion, and the potential for extraordinary change.

Paul Dempster

Paul Dempster epitomizes the tragic hero archetype. Neglected by his mother and haunted by his past, he grapples with his identity and yearns for acceptance and purpose. Paul's journey explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the desire for redemption.

Diana Marfleet

Diana Marfleet is depicted as a gentle and empathetic woman. As Dunstan Ramsay's dedicated nurse and confidante, she provides unwavering emotional support. Diana's character embodies stability and serves as a source of comfort, enabling Dunstan to navigate life's challenges.

Character Traits

Dunstan Ramsay

• Introspective
• Observant
• Intellectually curious
• Morally responsible
• Determined
• Reflective

Percy Boyd Staunton

• Charismatic
• Manipulative
• Ambitious
• Materialistic
• Self-serving
• Morally flawed

Boy Staunton

• Confident
• Competitive
• Ruthless
• Insecure
• Resentful
• Guilt-ridden

Leola Cruikshank

• Beautiful
• Innocent
• Tragic
• Vulnerable
• Eager to please
• Spirited

Mary Dempster

• Enigmatic
• Empathetic
• Misunderstood
• Transformative
• Resilient
• Forgiving

Paul Dempster

• Lost
• Searching for identity
• Haunted
• Emotionally scarred
• Seeking redemption
• Spiritually awakened

Diana Marfleet

• Supportive
• Caring
• Stable
• Compassionate
• Trustworthy
• Patient

Character Background

Dunstan Ramsay

Dunstan Ramsay's background is shaped by his small-town upbringing in Deptford, Canada. As a witness to dramatic events in his childhood, such as the snowball incident that alters Paul Dempster's life, Dunstan's experiences drive his contemplative nature and desire for self-discovery. His scholarly pursuits lead him to become a teacher, further influencing his understanding of human nature and personal growth.

Percy Boyd Staunton

Percy Boyd Staunton's background is one of privilege and petty tyranny. Growing up in a wealthy family, he quickly learns the art of manipulation and leveraging his social status. As he ascends the ladder of success in the business and political world, his ambition and hunger for power push him to make morally compromising choices.

Boy Staunton

Boy Staunton's background mirrors Percy Boyd Staunton's privileged upbringing. He is the golden boy of Deptford, admired by his peers and envied by those who seek his approval. Trapped by societal expectations and his own insecurities, Boy's background influences his relentless pursuit of success and the subsequent consequences he faces.

Leola Cruikshank

Leola Cruikshank's background is characterized by societal pressures and unfulfilled dreams. Beloved by many in Deptford, she adorns the beauty and grace expected of her. However, her aspirations for happiness and fulfillment are overshadowed by the weight of societal expectations, leading to a tragic existence.

Mary Dempster

Mary Dempster's background is marked by her transformative and enigmatic nature. Married to a preacher in Deptford, she is an outcast in the community following a traumatic event that alters her mental state. Mary's background explores the challenges and prejudices faced by those who deviate from social norms.

Paul Dempster

Paul Dempster's background is defined by abandonment and personal tragedy. As the son of Mary Dempster, he is neglected and haunted by his mother's condition and his own experiences. Paul's background shapes his search for identity and purpose as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Diana Marfleet

Diana Marfleet's background is less explored in the novel, but her presence as Dunstan Ramsay's nurse and love interest offers stability and emotional support. Her background as a caregiver underscores her compassionate nature and dedication to helping others.

Character Arcs

Dunstan Ramsay

Dunstan Ramsay's character arc revolves around his quest for meaning, personal growth, and the acceptance of his role as "fifth business." As he reflects on his relationships and experiences, Dunstan evolves from a passive observer to an active participant in his own life, ultimately finding redemption and spiritual enlightenment.

Percy Boyd Staunton

Percy Boyd Staunton's character arc showcases the consequences of his immoral actions and the downfall of his once glittering life. Boy's journey represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and materialism, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.

Boy Staunton

Boy Staunton's character arc explores the complexities of guilt, insecurity, and the pursuit of power. As he confronts the consequences of his actions and faces his past, Boy experiences a downfall that challenges his perceptions of success and self-worth.

Leola Cruikshank

Leola Cruikshank's character arc is marked by the tragedy of unfulfilled dreams and the limits imposed by societal expectations. Her journey highlights the delicate balance between personal desires and the pressures of conformity, ultimately leading to her untimely demise.

Mary Dempster

Mary Dempster's character arc transcends her mental state and societal ostracization. As she undergoes a spiritual awakening and finds her voice, Mary represents the transformative power of forgiveness and compassion. Her arc showcases the potential for extraordinary change in the most unlikely of individuals.

Paul Dempster

Paul Dempster's character arc centers around his search for identity, redemption, and acceptance. Through a series of encounters and personal revelations, Paul finds solace and purpose, highlighting the human capacity for growth and resilience.

Diana Marfleet

Diana Marfleet's character arc, though less prominent, revolves around her unwavering support for Dunstan Ramsay. As their relationship deepens, Diana embodies stability and emotional guidance, eventually enabling Dunstan to reconcile his past and find inner peace.

Relationships

The characters in "Fifth Business" are intricately woven together through their relationships, shaping their individual journeys and the overarching narrative. As readers delve deeper into the lives of these characters, they witness the complexities of human nature, the consequences of life's choices, and the transformative power of forgiveness and redemption. Robertson Davies skillfully portrays the multi-faceted nature of his characters, creating a rich and compelling narrative that explores the depths of the human psyche. Through their roles, traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships, each character adds a layer of depth and meaning to "Fifth Business."