Stephen Karpman, MD, a student of Eric Berne
(transactional analysis) developed the social model of the Drama Triangle. Unlike
dramafied behaviors and transactions that support learning, the Drama Triangle
is a closed system that denies embracing new knowledge. Participants are more
invested in emotional drama than outcomes. The Drama Triangle describes the roles
we play in transactions to avoid thinking.
The Drama Triangle is a game of deflection.
Rather than seeking resolution, the reactive characters who play the roles of
Victim, Persecutor or Rescuer are unwilling to go past their feelings and
embrace new thinking. In addition, Karpman
observed that we can be seduced by the energy generated in conflict. Drama,
drama, drama.
VICTIMS are helpless and ashamed, deniers of
personal responsibility for their attitude and actions. To win means to have
everyone's attention and pity.
PERSECUTORS are bullies who blame and take no
responsibility for any harm they cause to others. To win means to shut down an
interaction.
RESCUERS are needy caretakers seeking to be
seen as good even at their own expense, ignoring underlying conflicts. To win
means to make everyone happy.
The only way to escape the games played in
the Drama Triangle is to stop playing. If you want to see the drama triangle in
action, participate in a volatile political or religious thread on Twitter.
Fallacies of thought are often used to maintain the drama.
