ABSTRACT
The taxonomy of roles is a systematic way to view personality in dramatic terms, that is, in terms of personae. The author conceptualizes personae as roles. He defines role not only as a character in a drama, but also as the container of all the thoughts and feelings we have about ourselves and others in our social and imaginary worlds. The author reviews many of the most widely produced and anthologized plays in the repertory of Western literature since the beginning of Greek drama. The taxonomy is used in drama therapy in conjunction with the role method of treatment, wherein clients are led through a process of invoking and working through roles, reflecting upon their role enactments, and learning to live in the ambivalence within and among their roles. The author presents the case of Sam who was a single client with whom the author worked as a drama therapist.
