The drama triangleKarpman

The drama triangle is a model that defines three roles people often fall into in conflicted relationships. Stephen Karpman, within the Transactional Analysis tradition, named these roles rescuer, victim, and persecutor. These roles are not fixed; a person can slide from one to another within an interaction, for example turning from a would-be rescuer into a victim or a persecutor. The value of the model is that it makes an unhealthy relationship pattern visible and prompts thinking about a way out of it. The coach helps the client notice their role in this triangle and move to a healthier position.