This model describes the dynamic and shifting roles people play in conflicted or drama-intense relationships and is represented by an inverted triangle with three roles: the Victim, the Rescuer, and the Persecutor.
The Victim role involves feeling or acting helpless, oppressed, and unable to solve problems. Victims often seek help from others and may unintentionally invite someone else to play the role of the Persecutor. The Victim’s payoff is avoiding change or acknowledging their true feelings, even though it may perpetuate their negative emotions.
The Rescuer, on the other hand, takes on the role of helping and fixing others. They feel guilty if they don’t come to the rescue and believe their assistance can solve the problem. However, their rescuing behaviour can be counterproductive, as it keeps the Victim dependent and prevents them from taking responsibility for their choices. The Rescuer may also use their role to avoid dealing with their own problems and anxieties.
The Persecutor, or Villain, blames others and asserts that it’s all their fault. They are controlling, critical, and authoritarian. However, if they are attacked by the Rescuer and/or Victim, they may switch roles and become a Victim themselves.
The drama triangle emerges when individuals assume the roles of the Victim or Persecutor and enlist others into the conflict. Additional players may also assume various roles, and the dynamics can shift within the triangle. For example, the Victim may turn on the Rescuer, who then becomes the Persecutor. Each participant in the triangle has their own psychological wishes and needs met without acknowledging the dysfunction or harm caused in the overall situation.
It’s important to note that the motivations of the Rescuer are not always obvious. While they may genuinely try to resolve the problem, they also derive benefits from being in the role of the rescuer. They may gain self-esteem, respect, or enjoyment from having someone depend on them, even if it perpetuates the victim’s role.
The relationship between the Victim and the Rescuer can be co-dependent, as the Rescuer enables the Victim’s dependency by encouraging their victimhood. The Victim’s needs are met by having the Rescuer take care of them.
Participants in drama triangles often have a primary or habitual role based on their family of origin, but once in the triangle, they can rotate through all three positions.
Breaking free from the drama triangle involves understanding the underlying dynamics and depriving the actors of their payoffs. By recognizing and challenging the roles and patterns, individuals can strive for healthier and more functional relationships.