puppetmasters
Controllers behind scenes
Puppetmasters are those who control others from behind the scenes, like the operators of marionettes.
The term implies hidden manipulation—someone pulling strings while staying out of view: The real puppetmasters behind the campaign remained anonymous.
Often used in conspiracy theories or political commentary to suggest secret power brokers directing events.
Authority to direct
- stringsThin flexible lines
- influencePower to affect others
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- schemingCrafty and calculating
handlers · power · behind-the-scenes · masterminds · pulling strings · operatives · exploitation · coercion
Those who decide leadership
- oligarchsWealthy few who govern
- donorsPeople who give gifts
- lobbyistsPaid political persuaders
- power brokersHidden political influencers
backroom deals · influence peddling · dark money · deep state · elites · cabals · shadow government · strategists
String-controlled theatrical figures
- stringsThin flexible lines
- performersThose who entertain audiences
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- BunrakuJapanese puppet theater tradition
Henson · ventriloquists · wooden figures · stages · theatrical · artisans · controls · crossbars
Senior corporate officers
- CEOsHighest corporate officers
- boardsPlanks or governing bodies
- shareholdersOwners of company stock
- conglomeratesLarge diversified corporations
tycoons · magnates · controlling interests · hostile takeovers · leveraged buyouts · venture capitalists · private equity · monopolists
Those who manage or control
- spymastersLeaders of covert operatives
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- covertIntentionally concealed
- operativesThose who execute missions
CIA · KGB · agents · controllers · moles · assets · tradecraft · recruitment
control
Authority to direct
- stringsThin flexible lines
- influencePower to affect others
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
scheming · handlers · power · behind-the-scenes · masterminds · pulling strings · operatives · exploitation · coercion · direction
kingmakers
Those who decide leadership
power brokers · backroom deals · influence peddling · dark money · deep state · elites · cabals · shadow government · strategists · fixers
marionettes
String-controlled theatrical figures
- stringsThin flexible lines
- performersThose who entertain audiences
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
Bunraku · Henson · ventriloquists · wooden figures · stages · theatrical · artisans · controls · crossbars · Geppetto
executives
Senior corporate officers
- CEOsHighest corporate officers
- boardsPlanks or governing bodies
- shareholdersOwners of company stock
conglomerates · tycoons · magnates · controlling interests · hostile takeovers · leveraged buyouts · venture capitalists · private equity · monopolists · trusts
handlers
Those who manage or control
- spymastersLeaders of covert operatives
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- covertIntentionally concealed
operatives · CIA · KGB · agents · controllers · moles · assets · tradecraft · recruitment · surveillance
puppetmasterspuppets
Figures manipulated for performance
marionettes · pawns · minions · lackeys · henchmen
puppetmastersfrontmen
Lead singers, public faces
figureheads · mouthpieces · performers · talking heads · public figures