The Karpman Drama Triangle describes three roles people play in conflict: Rescuer, Victim, and Persecutor. Each role is unstable and can shift to another role. Understanding these roles helps a person see unhealthy patterns.
By Pawan Nayar · from the LLOS AI Learning record
The Karpman Drama Triangle describes three roles people play in conflict: Rescuer, Victim, and Persecutor.
Each role is unstable and can shift to another role. Understanding these roles helps a person see unhealthy patterns.
The Karpman Drama Triangle names a common pattern in arguments. A person can take on one of three roles: Rescuer, Victim, or Persecutor. These roles are not fixed. A person can move from one role to another very quickly. The Rescuer tries to help, but often does too much. The Victim feels helpless and seeks help. The Persecutor blames others. For example, a Rescuer might feel tired and then become a Victim. Or a Rescuer might get angry and become a Persecutor. This triangle shows how 'helpful' actions can lead to more conflict.
A parent always tries to solve their adult child's problems. The parent acts as the Rescuer. The adult child acts as the Victim. Over time, the parent feels tired and unappreciated. The parent then blames the child, becoming the Persecutor. The child then feels attacked and becomes the Victim, or blames the parent, becoming a Persecutor.
Resolved from this lesson's own record — real definitions, not invented for this page.
More from the same record, pulled by shared topic — not written new for this page.
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The Karpman Drama Triangle describes three roles people play in conflict: Rescuer, Victim, and Persecutor. Each role is unstable and can shift to another role. Understanding these roles helps a person see unhealthy patterns.