"The Fifth Business" is a novel by Robertson Davies that explores the life of Dunstan Ramsay, a man who reflects on his past and the events that shaped him. The story begins in a small Canadian town and delves into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the nature of good and evil. As Dunstan navigates his relationships with characters like Boy Staunton and Leola Cruikshank, he discovers the significance of being the "fifth business," a term from theater that refers to a character who is essential to the plot but not the main protagonist. The novel intertwines personal growth with mythological and psychological elements.