The Drama Triangle

Stephen Karpman's model (1968). Three roles that people cycle through in dysfunctional relationship dynamics: **Victim** (feels powerless, persecuted, helpless), **Rescuer** (helps to feel needed or to manage their own anxiety about the victim), and **Persecutor** (blames, criticizes, attacks). People rotate through all three roles. The pattern is self-sustaining and keeps everyone stuck. The healthy alternative involves stepping out of the triangle entirely: Creator, Coach, Challenger.

Origin

Stephen Karpman, 1968