In extortion, an extortionist threatens to injure a hostage unless the target agrees to pay a ransom. The target must cooperate for the exchange to take place. Extortion features considerable tactical maneuvering; control of information, presentation of character, deceit, the nature of the hostage and the ransom, and the possibility of repeated extortionate transactions affect the outcome. Publicity and repetition pose special problems for social control agents, who must articulate strategies for responding to extortion. Notes and over 40 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)