In Module 2, we’ve been learning how to create new ways of responding to disruption by using emotional intelligence.
But even when we understand our emotions, we may still find ourselves repeating the same patterns of conflict or disappointment.
Why does this happen? One answer lies in the Drama Triangle.

The Drama Triangle is a model developed by Dr. Stephen Karpman that shows the roles people adopt when their needs are not met.
It helps us understand why we sometimes get stuck in cycles of blame, helplessness, or over-helping instead of solving real problems.

The Three Roles in the Drama Triangle

• The Persecutor (Top Corner) – “It’s all your fault!”
  Behaviours: critical, blaming, controlling, superior.
• The Victim (Bottom Left Corner) – “Poor me!”
  Behaviours: powerless, hopeless, stuck, dependent.
• The Rescuer (Bottom Right Corner) – “Poor you, let me help.”
  Behaviours: over-helpful, enabling, pain reliever, keeps others dependent.

Why Are These Roles Toxic?

At first, these roles may look familiar or even natural. But when we stay in them, they become toxic because:

• They stop us from solving the real problem.
• They keep us focused on blame or helplessness instead of growth.
• They feed each other and keep the cycle of drama alive.

In the next lesson, we will take a deeper look at each role — the Persecutor, the Victim, and the Rescuer —
to understand how they show up and how they affect our ability to create constructive solutions.