power behind
- influencePower to affect others
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- mastermindScheme's chief planner
- stringsThin flexible lines
shadow · control · driving force · manipulation · kingmaker · secret · hidden · agenda · pull · leverage · scheme · authority · invisible hand · backing · patron · sponsor · muscle · clout
visibility/prominence
power behindfigurehead
Nominal leader, no authority
front man · puppet · spokesperson · titular head · mouthpiece
agency/control
power behindpuppet
Controlled performing figure
pawn · instrument · tool · subordinate · follower