Can someone please summarize this statement for me?

Man is sometimes portrayed as a victim in circumstances beyond his control. Other times he is seen as a perpetrator of events that lead to consequences such as suffering and often death,

What does this say about victims and perpetrators? thanks

Victims are people who can't prevent the tragedy that happens to them. They have no control over these unfortunate events. Examples might be civilians caught in the crossfire of a war or people who are killed by drunk drivers.

Perpetrators are people who knowingly do things that hurt others. Perpetrators are those who fight the war or drive when they are drunk.