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HBO Succession

Roy Family Genogram

Visualize the toxic family dynamics of Waystar Royco. See how power, manipulation, and conditional love shape the Roy family across generations.

Interactive Roy Family Genogram

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The Roy Family Dynamics

Each family member demonstrates patterns commonly seen in clinical practice. The Roys are a textbook case of narcissistic family systems.

Logan Roy

Patriarch

Founder of Waystar Royco. Narcissistic, controlling father who pits his children against each other.

Genogram Patterns

Narcissistic parentingConditional lovePower manipulation

Kendall Roy

Second Son

The 'chosen one' who repeatedly fails to live up to expectations. Struggles with addiction and approval-seeking.

Genogram Patterns

Golden child pressureAddictionFather enmeshment

Siobhan (Shiv) Roy

Only Daughter

Initially distanced from family business, eventually drawn into power games. Complex marriage with Tom.

Genogram Patterns

Distancer roleCommitment issuesCompetition with brothers

Roman Roy

Youngest Son

Uses humor as defense mechanism. Most emotionally stunted, with hints of childhood trauma.

Genogram Patterns

Class clown defenseEmotional intimacy issuesFather idealization

Connor Roy

Eldest Son

From Logan's first marriage. Largely ignored, seeks validation through politics and relationships.

Genogram Patterns

Family cutoffAttention-seekingOutsider status

Genogram Patterns in Succession

Hostile Relationships

Sibling rivalry, Logan's verbal abuse, power struggles. Shown with zigzag conflict lines throughout the genogram.

Fused-Hostile (Enmeshed)

Logan-Kendall relationship: intensely close yet destructive. Can't separate but constantly hurt each other.

Triangulation

Logan plays children against each other. Constantly shifting alliances. "Who will be the successor?"

Cutoff Relationships

Connor largely cut off from main family. Logan cuts off anyone who crosses him. Shown with broken lines.

Multiple Marriages

Logan's three marriages shown with divorce slashes. Pattern of failed relationships passed to children.

Power Imbalance

Asymmetric relationships where Logan holds all power. Children constantly seeking his approval and validation.

Why Therapists Love This Example

Succession provides a rare, detailed look at how extreme wealth intersects with family dysfunction. The Roy family demonstrates:

  • •Narcissistic Family Systems: Logan as the narcissistic parent, children as extensions of his ego
  • •Golden Child/Scapegoat: Roles shift between Kendall, Roman, and Shiv based on Logan's moods
  • •Intergenerational Trauma: Logan's childhood abuse repeats with his children
  • •Attachment Injuries: None of the children can form healthy relationships

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Succession Roy family genogram show?
The Succession genogram visualizes the Roy family power dynamics: Logan Roy's multiple marriages, his four children (Connor, Kendall, Roman, Siobhan), their spouses, and the complex emotional relationships marked by competition, manipulation, and conditional love. It shows cutoffs, hostile relationships, and enmeshment patterns.
Why is Succession useful for learning about family systems?
Succession is essentially a masterclass in dysfunctional family dynamics. The show depicts narcissistic parenting, sibling rivalry, emotional manipulation, golden child/scapegoat dynamics, enmeshment, and intergenerational trauma—all concepts that genograms help visualize and analyze in clinical settings.
What relationship patterns does the Roy family genogram reveal?
Key patterns include: toxic parent-child relationships (Logan with all children), sibling competition and betrayal, multiple marriages (Logan has 3 wives), emotional cutoffs (Connor from the family), fused-hostile relationships (Logan-Kendall), and triangulation (children competing for Logan's approval).
How do you show Logan Roy's marriages on the genogram?
Logan Roy's multiple marriages are shown with horizontal marriage lines, with divorce indicated by double slashes. His first marriage to Connor's mother, second to the mother of Kendall/Roman/Siobhan, and third to Marcia are all represented. Each spouse connects to their respective children.
Can therapists use the Succession genogram for teaching?
Yes! The Succession genogram is excellent for teaching about narcissistic family systems, emotional abuse patterns, golden child dynamics, and how wealth amplifies dysfunction. Many family therapy educators use the show as a case study because viewers already understand the relationships.

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