The Drama Triangle: Where We All Deserve an Oscar

Have you ever caught yourself in the middle of a familiar relational pattern and thought, “Oh no… here we go again” yet still couldn’t seem to step out of it? Almost like you’ve been cast in a role you didn’t audition for, but somehow know all the lines? Welcome to the Karpman Drama Triangle, a perfectly human (and slightly dramatic) model of how we slip into unhelpful relational roles without meaning to.

In this triangle, the Victim feels powerless, the Rescuer over-functions to save the day, and the Persecutor brings the criticism or control. And the plot twist? We can switch between these roles faster than you can say, “Wait… how did we get here?”

In therapy, we explore why you gravitate toward one role or another, not to blame, but to understand. These patterns are old survival strategies, learned long before you had adult tools or perspective. Together, we learn how to pause, notice the roleplay, and gently step out of the script so real connection becomes possible.

The goal isn’t perfection, just curiosity, awareness, and kinder choices.

🌼 You don’t need a cape to grow, just the courage to see your pattern and try something different.

~ Jumbled Bean