Karpman’s Drama Triangle, developed in 1968, is a psychological and social model describing destructive interpersonal interactions, based on three fluid roles: victim, rescuer, and persecutor. People caught up in this triangle rarely assume their roles with the aim of actually solving the problem; rather, these roles serve hidden motives, providing participants with specific psychological “benefits” and allowing them to act out unconscious life scripts, which inevitably leads to chronic conflicts.
The victim (“poor me”) —feels helpless, oppressed, and unable to make decisions. She avoids taking responsibility for her own life by seeking a rescuer who will solve her problems, which in reality only reinforces her dependence.
The Rescuer (“let me help you”) —often helps against their own will, driven by guilt. They make the victim dependent on them, stripping the victim of their agency. For them, helping others is an escape from their own fears and problems.
The Persecutor (“It’s your fault”) —controls, criticizes, and blames others. He adopts a rigid and authoritarian attitude, keeping the victim in a state of guilt and inferiority.
Acey Choy developed a model based on the above relationships, and her concept is called The Winner’s Triangle. Breaking out of the triangle begins with setting healthy boundaries in relationships.