What role does Mary Dempster play in Dunstan's life?

Mary Dempster plays a vital role in Dunstan Ramsay's life as a saintly influence. Throughout "Fifth Business," she embodies a spiritual and transformative presence for Dunstan. Her character is central to his journey of self-discovery and understanding the complexities of human nature and morality.

Dunstan perceives Mary not only as an innocent and flawed individual but also as a source of profound wisdom and insight. Her actions and demeanor encourage him to reflect deeply on his own life, values, and the concept of goodness. This saintly influence challenges Dunstan to confront his own feelings of guilt and his understanding of duty, ultimately leading him to a more nuanced perspective on life and spirituality. Her existence stirs a range of emotions in him, from reverence to guilt, and she becomes a guiding force in his quest for meaning, making her a pivotal character in his development throughout the novel.

Other roles like a romantic interest, mentor figure, or rival do not capture the full extent of her impact as someone who embodies a spiritual ideal that profoundly affects Dunstan's life and choices.