Abstract: A ribbon tension control for a ribbon cartridge comprising a shaped frictional drag device in frictional contact with the edges of at least one side of the ribbon material situated on the supply spool. The frictional drag device is in the form of a semi-circular section with an additional section extending outwardly from the center of the outer circumference of the semi-circular section. The additional section decreases in width from the semi-circular section to the outside dimension of the ribbon material. The center of the semi-circular portion is coaxial with the ribbon supply spool.