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DUNSTAN’S WOMEN Robertson Davies’ Fifth Business creates, develops and explores the character of Dunstan Ramsay and his approach to life as a spectator sport. Davies uses the women in Dunstan’s life to progress the search for an identity of this “odd man out”. Fiona Ramsay Dunstan Ramsay’s mother, Fiona, has an impeccable good sense and a terrible need to have control over everything and everyone. As Dunny grew older he became aware of his mother inhibiting his independence and so they began to drift apart. After Dunny’s interest and affection for Mrs. Dempster became obvious, Fiona threatens him with an ultimatum to choose between her or “that woman”. This is a vital moment for Dunstan’s character because this is when he first steps out of his Deptford world and goes to war at the end of which, he is to be reborn. Fiona’s character helps Dunny understand the significance of his independence and the realization that “nobody-not even my mother-was to be trusted in this strange world that showed very little of itself on the surface” (pg. 30) Leola Cruickshank