ABSTRACT
In the Character Diagram, the client visually identifies not only the important characters, but their relative importance to one another; then shows their groupings and interactions. When combined with sandplay figures*, the client develops a symbol for each state or scene in the Plot Diagram, and for each character in the Character Diagram. A better alternative for diagramming the internal states experienced by the client is to use circles of magnetic white board. The diagram offers not only understanding, but opens ways to proceed in therapy. The two procedures, Plot Diagramming and Internal Character Mapping, reveal recurring aspects in a person’s life story. Having a method of diagramming together with the client the common problematic plot in one’s life story–or, alternatively, a method of mapping the characters in a person’s life story–gives both client and clinician the ability to recognize recurrences.
