A medical doctor named Stephen Karpman developed a transactional model for identifying the different roles that people occupy in relationships. Here are the different relationship roles that we can get stuck in:

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Victim: This is where somebody acts hopeless or helpless as though they can't catch a break in life. They always seem to be a victim of circumstance or bad luck. 

 

Rescuer: This is where somebody takes responsibility for the well-being of another by taking on their problem. They may unconsciously do this so that they don't have to look at their own problems. 

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Persecutor: This is where somebody becomes frustrated by the actions of another. They may get angry when somebody doesn't do things the way that they think they should be done. 

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Many of us have what Karpman referred to as starting gate roles meaning that we have a tendency to lean to one of these roles based on how we grew up. It is important for people caught in this dynamic in their relationships to develop awareness of the roles they may play, including strategies that may help get them off this triangle so that more peaceful and healthier dynamics can flourish. 

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