Rivalry of kinsmen

Disciplines > Storytelling > Plots > Polti's Situations > Rivalry of kinsmen

Description | Discussion | See also

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Description

Elements

The Preferred Kinsman
The Rejected Kinsman
The Object

Summary

Two relatives compete over an Object, often another person who shows more favor to the Preferred Kinsman and shows less favor to the Rejected Kinsman.

Variants

Malicious rivalry of a sibling
Malicious rivalry of two siblings
Rivalry of two siblings, with adultery on the part of one

Rivalry of a parent and a child for an unmarried lover
Rivalry of a parent and a child for a married lover
Rivalry of a parent and a child for the love of the other parent
Rivalry of parent and child

Rivalry of cousins

Rivalry of friends

Discussion

Rivals can have a broad range of emotions towards one another. Although they compete, they may also be friends. They may also be enemies or be indifferent to one another. It is common in competitions to reduce the other party to an insensate object which can consequently be abused without human concern.

Rivals often compete over a scarce resource, often the affections and attention of another, from the mother of siblings to a boy being fought over by two women who might otherwise be friends. The danger and sad fact of rivalry is that it can turn sour and friends may become bitter enemies.

Rivalry creates triangular relationships and the Drama Triangle or other Games can ensue.

Rivalry in a story is less vicious than enmity and is thus easier in many ways to watch and accept -- depending on what level of excitement you are seeking.

As with other stories, seeing familiar patterns being played out helps us accept and give meaning to similar patterns in our own lives.

'Rivalry of kinsmen' is the 14th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.