The Karpman Drama Triangle is a model of some personal interactions between people who do not take responsibility for their own feelings. The roles are "Victim", "Persecutor", and "Rescuer".

In a relationship with a narcissist, you will often be the persecutor, or at least, made to feel that this is your role. The narcissist will be the victim.

Pay special attention to the fact that the roles of the triangle switch: The rescuer accuses the persecutor of crimes against the victim, which can turn the persecutor into the victim and the rescuer into the persecutor. This is where you have the control to not allow yourself to be rescued and break the cycle.

If you allow the narcissist to assume the role of rescuer and rescue you, the cycle is not broken, and will continue.