The drama triangle describes recurring relational patterns with the roles persecutor, rescuer, and victim.
- Persecutor: accuses and devalues others
- Rescuer: over-helps and undermines autonomy
- Victim: experiences helplessness and overwhelm
Description of the diagram
Text description
A grey triangle standing on its tip. The upper left corner is labelled “persecutor”, the upper right “rescuer”, the bottom tip “victim”. There are no arrows; the triangle shows the three roles between which, according to the article, people often switch unconsciously.
Role switches often happen unconsciously. Leaving this pattern supports autonomy, clearer boundaries, and healthier communication.