SOME OF THE ROLES THE EGO PLAYS

THE VICTIM

is someone who feels ashamed of themselves. He is very needy of other people and asks constantly for their advice and does not take it. He will often complain but will not take any action. Often heard telling hard luck stories containing phaes like "It's not fair, "You're so lucky. Those who try to help are left feeling frastrated, helpless and impotent. Frequently play the "yes-but" game with those who offer suggestions of assistance.

THE RESCUER

is someone who is motivated by guilt with a great difficulty in saying no. As he wishes to have everything around him harmonious he seeks to attend to the needs of others but deprives them of the opportunity to help themselves. The rescuer needs to be needed and is seen as virtuous and kind. Always appearing strong he will feel taken for granted. Rescuers and victims attract each other strongly.

THE PERSECUTER

is someone who is motivated by anger. He puts out the message "Go away, I don't need You!" i.e. the opposite to the rescuer. His isolated, critical and aggressive stance is but a wall of protection around his vulnerable nature. The world appear as black and white to hhn - "PuII yourself together!" would be the advice he might offer a victim. He believes that through attack he will get what he wants.

The ego's plan for salvation centers around holding grievances. It maintains that, if someone else spoke or acted differently, if some external circumstance or event were changed, you would be saved. Thus, the source of salvation is constantly perceived as outside yourself. Each grievance you hold is a declaration, and an assertion in which you believe, that says, "If this were different, I would be saved". The change of mind necessary for salvation is thus demanded of everyone and everthing except yourself.

from "A Course In Miracles (W120; W-pI.71.2).

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