Question

Describe the five types of puppets used in puppet shows.

Describe the different types of puppets.

Answer 1

1. Hand Puppet: It is also called the first puppet, glove puppet, or Guignol. It is worn over the hand like a glove. The index finger serves as the neck, while the thumb and middle finger control the puppet’s arms.
2. Rod Puppet: It is also known as a stick puppet. The puppet is supported by a stick(s)- sometimes one for the body and two other small ones for the hands. The two small sticks are held by one hand and the other with the remaining hand. It is very famous in the Far East.
3. Shadow Puppet: Rod puppets or hand puppets are used to create shadows on a white cloth screen, with a projector or bright light behind the screen. The figures are commonly translucent enough for some light to pass through the puppet. They are made from materials such as coloured plastics, paper, metal or wood.
4. Finger Puppet: The different characters of a story are placed on different fingers of the puppeteer. The moving finger shows the character saying the dialogue. These puppets usually lack arms, and even if they do, they do not move.
5. Ventriloquist’s Dummy: This is a big puppet, almost half the size of the ventriloquist (performer). It sits on the ventriloquist’s knee, arm, table or chair. A hand supports it from the back and controls it, too. This act seems to suggest a conversation between the artist and the puppet. It appears as if the dummy can really talk.