Types of Puppets

There are many different types of puppets. Each type has its own individual characteristics. The most important types may be classified as follows:

• Hand Puppet: People call it with different names such as first puppet, glove puppet and guignol. Like a glove, it is worn over the hand. Commonly, the index finger serves as the neck while the thumb and the middle finger perform the arms of the puppet.

• Finger Puppet: Is a type of puppet that is controlled by one or more fingers that occupy the interior of the puppet.

• Marionette: A small model of a person or animal with parts of the body that are moved with strings. It is commonly known as string-operated puppet which is like the most difficult to control. Other than puppets above, they can move around a certain stage. It looks like a doll but there are strings attached to some parts of their body which are controlled by two hands.

• Ventriloquist’s Dummy: A toy in the shape of a small person that ventriloquists operate, so that it seems to be alive. Either it’s sitting on the ventriloquist’s knee, arm, table or chair.

• Rod Puppet: It is also known as the stick puppet to some other people. From the name itself, the puppet is being supported by stick(s), sometimes one for the body and two other small ones for the hands.

• Shadow Puppet: Are figures that are placed between a light and a screen. Moving them creates the illusion of moving images on the screen.