Manipulators can range from subtle where it isn't an aware act, through to overt where it is a strategic act designed to gain benefit.
Manipulation can occur within family dynamics, in the workplace, in social circles and especially with romantic partners.
Below you will find the following key components of manipulation:
Stages - the stages within a manipulation cycle
Points - the areas of vulnerability for exploit
Tactics - the strategies a manipulator uses
Styles - the types of manipulators
Each stage tends to have its own cluster of tactics unique to that part of the process.
Stages in a nutshull range from getting one into a dynamic, keeping one there and then getting out of said dynamic.
(Some stages such as intra have additional phases where manipulators increase their efforts to keep control.)
The Entry stage is where a manipulator will present the best image of themselves and attempt to bring their target into some level of commitment.
The manipulation points used to draw one into a dynamic: