Three-Part Reflective Series: From Drama Triangle to Transformation
Part 1: Origins of the Drama Triangle-Mapping the Emotional Landscape
Historical Foundations of the Karpman Drama Triangle
Human interaction is often a stage where unspoken needs and emotional wounds play out in patterns of conflict. In the complex world of human relationships, few models have been as influential and enduring as the Karpman Drama Triangle, first introduced in 1968 by psychiatrist Stephen B. Karpman. At the time, Karpman was studying under Eric Berne, the founder of Transactional Analysis, a psychological framework that examines how people communicate and interact through “transactions.”
Berne challenged the Freudian tradition of focusing exclusively on the subconscious by introducing a more observable method: rather than just asking individuals how they felt, he observed their real-time behavior in group settings—facial expressions, body language, tone, and spoken words. He saw that these exchanges often reinforced repeated scripts people unknowingly acted out, many learned in childhood.
Karpman took this practical observational approach and applied it to patterns he noticed in conflicted relationships. Drawing from both psychology and storytelling (he was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild), Karpman visualized these interactions as a “drama triangle” with three main roles:
• The Victim: Helpless, oppressed, and unable to escape.
• The Rescuer: Over-responsible, swooping in to help.
• The Persecutor: Critical, controlling, and blaming.
Each role, though unconscious, serves an emotional payoff:
- The Victim feels helpless but avoids the vulnerability of change.
- The Rescuer feels needed but avoids their own issues.
- The Persecutor feels in control but avoids vulnerability.
This dynamic often rotates among the individuals involved—each role feeding into the next in a cycle of dysfunction, leaving real problems unresolved and emotional needs unmet.
Karpman drew on drama and fairy tales to illustrate this triangle—such as Little Red Riding Hood, where the Victim (Red), the Rescuer (Woodsman), and the Persecutor (Wolf) play out emotional roles.
Karpman’s model echoes earlier work in family systems theory by Murray Bowen, who introduced the concept of triangulation—where two people in conflict pull a third person into their struggle to alleviate anxiety.
The genius of Karpman’s triangle is its simplicity. It unmasks the subconscious games people play, not to villainize, but to make visible the psychological scripts that often go unnoticed.
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Part 2: Rewriting the Script – Therapeutic Pathways from Drama to Empowerment
From Awareness to Transformation
Recognizing the drama triangle is only the beginning. True transformation lies in shifting from reactive to empowered roles—and several therapeutic models offer clear pathways for this movement.
Integrating Therapeutic Models for Growth
While Karpman revealed the emotional traps, others have since offered blueprints for escape. Recognizing the drama triangle is only the beginning. True transformation lies in shifting from reactive to empowered roles—and several therapeutic models offer clear pathways for this movement.
In 1990, Acey Choy proposed The Winner’s Triangle, a therapeutic reframe that helps individuals shift from reactive roles into empowered identities:
• Victim becomes Vulnerable: Able to express needs honestly.
• Rescuer becomes Caring: Offering support without control.
• Persecutor becomes Assertive: Setting boundaries respectfully.
He reframed Karpman’s roles by redefining each role with emotional integrity and agency:
- Victim becomes Vulnerable
- Instead of collapsing, vulnerability is honored.
- Individuals are encouraged to name needs, seek support, and embrace the risk of change.
- Empowering statement: “I feel overwhelmed, and I’m learning to ask for help without shame.”
- Rescuer becomes Caring
- Rather than rescuing, one offers emotional presence without over-functioning.
- Boundaries are respected; help is given only when requested.
- Empowering statement: “I’m here for you, and I trust you to find your own strength.”
- Persecutor becomes Assertive
- The need for control is replaced with healthy boundaries and clear communication.
- Self-respect and respect for others coexist.
- Empowering statement: “This isn’t okay with me, and I want to find a respectful way forward.”
This model focuses on emotional maturity—choosing responses that honor both self and others.
Later, in 2009, David Emerald offered a profound evolution with The Power of TED (The Empowerment Dynamic)*:
• Victim becomes a Creator: Focused on possibilities and outcomes.
• Rescuer becomes a Coach: Supporting others in solving their own problems.
• Persecutor becomes a Challenger: Encouraging growth through accountability.
He took the transformation a step further by building a new triangle of empowerment:
- Victim becomes Creator
- Chooses response over reactivity.
- Focuses on vision, outcomes, and possibilities.
- Practical tool: Identify the “dynamic tension” between current reality and desired outcome.
- Empowering question: “What’s one thing I can do today to move closer to what I want?”
- Rescuer becomes Coach
- Listens deeply, asks powerful questions, and trusts others to find their path.
- Helps the “Creator” see their choices, rather than giving solutions.
- Empowering statement: “What do you want to create in this situation?”
- Persecutor becomes Challenger
- Rather than attacking, invites growth by holding others accountable.
- Views conflict as opportunity for development.
- Empowering stance: “What might you learn from this struggle?”
TED* shifts the entire paradigm from problem orientation to outcome orientation. It’s a roadmap for self-leadership, aligned perfectly with Chaplaincy Pro’s values of resilience, dignity, and spiritual growth.
Both models emphasize awarenessand choice. They challenge us not only to recognize when we’re in the drama triangle—but to intentionally step out of it. These are the transformation zones where spiritual and emotional growth happen. They echo Chaplaincy Pro’s mission to help people reclaim agency, dignity, and purposein the midst of suffering .
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Part 3: Conversations That Heal – Moving from Drama to Empowerment in Spiritual Care
Applying the Model in Chaplaincy Encounters
Let’s explore practical, real-life examples Chaplains might encounter, and how we can guide others from drama to empowerment.
1. A Patient in the Victim Role
A hospitalized patient says, “Nothing I do makes a difference. I’ve tried everything. I’m just cursed.”
Response as a Chaplain:
• Affirm the feeling: “It sounds like this has been exhausting for you.”
• Invite curiosity: “If something could shift even a little, what would that look like?”
• Reframe toward agency: “What’s one small thing you still have control over today?”
Transformation Goal: Help the patient move from Victim to Creator—someone who begins to see even the tiniest choice as power.
2. A Family Member in the Rescuer Role
A daughter says, “If I don’t do everything for my dad, he just gives up. I have to be here every day.”
Response as a Chaplain:
• Recognize their care: “Your commitment is clear and beautiful.”
• Offer perspective: “Sometimes the best way to support someone is by trusting they can handle hard moments, too.”
• Empower boundaries: “What’s one thing you could do to care for yourself this week?”
Transformation Goal: Invite the daughter from Rescuer to Coach—supporting with compassion without self-erasure.
3. A Staff Member in the Persecutor Role
A nurse vents, “He’s non-compliant again. He’s just lazy. He never listens.”
Response as a Chaplain:
• Validate frustration: “It’s hard when your efforts don’t lead to progress.”
• Introduce empathy: “I wonder what fear might be behind his behavior.”
• Encourage growth: “What might happen if you asked him what motivates him?”
Transformation Goal: Shift from Persecutor to Challenger—someone who still names hard truths, but with respect and hope.
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These shifts don’t happen instantly. They require awareness, reflection, and new practice. But this is where Chaplaincy Pro thrives: we accompany others in the sacred process of transformation, not by fixing, but by standing with them as they discover their own power.
This triangle work is more than theory—it’s sacred practice. As Chaplains, we are not here to rescue, blame, or collapse. We are here to illuminate. To walk alongside. To invite the Creator, Challenger, and Coach to emerge—not just in others, but in ourselves.
This is spiritual care at its finest: helping people recreate their neurochemistry, undo their shackles, and cut loose to mend the world.
