Power Exchange: In-Scene, Total Control - Modern BDSM Glossary

Our Definition

A type of dynamic where the submissive gives up all of their agency to their dominant partner on a temporary basis as part of play.

Common Practices & Experiences

Everyone is different! You'll see this repeated throughout our website and glossary. Power exchange in particular is very complex, which is why we outlined this and three other sometimes-overlapping specific types of power exchange. Common practices for in-scene total control power exchange dynamics include, but certainly aren't limited to:

Overlap and/or fluctuation between different forms of power exchange
Having firmly established trust with one’s scene partner.
Involving some degree of role-play.
The dominant participant having a high degree of understanding of what one’s scene partner likes and dislikes.
A highly developed awareness of non-verbal cues.
Pre-established safe words

Theo and Bob have an egalitarian relationship during their day to day life but a Master/Slave dynamic during play.

Andrea enjoys role playing as a captive completely at the will of her jailor.

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