A typical chain letter consists of a message that attempts to inuce the recipient to make a number of copies of the letter and then pass them on to as many recipients as possible. A chain letter can be considered a type of meme. Common methods used in chain letters include emotionally manipulative stories, get-rich-quick pyramid schemes, and the exploitation of superstition to threaten the recipient with bad luck or even physical violence or death if he or she "breaks the chain" and refuses to adhere to the conditions set out in the letter.