ringleaders
Those directing schemes
Ringleaders are the people who lead or organize a group engaged in illicit or mischievous activity.
The word carries connotations of scheming and influence over others: Police arrested the ringleaders of the smuggling operation.
A ringleader is often seen as more culpable than followers, the one who instigated trouble others merely joined.
One who foments discord
- provocateurOne who deliberately incites
- inciterOne who provokes action
- fomenterOne who incites trouble
- rabble-rouserOne who stirs dissent
troublemaker · firebrand · demagogue · revolutionary · rebel · anarchist · subversive · seditionist
One who organizes complex efforts
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- mob bossCriminal organization's top figure
- crime bossLeader of criminal organization
- conspiratorOne planning in secret
accomplice · henchmen · syndicate · cartel · underworld · godfather · capo · don
Workplace superior
- chiefTop-ranking leader
- headUppermost body part
- commanderPerson with authority over others
- captainOne who commands
director · coordinator · organizer · supervisor · overseer · hierarchy · chain of command · second-in-command
Main circus tent
- performersThose who entertain audiences
- showmanDramatic, attention-grabbing performer
- whipStrikes or aerates
- top hatTall formal headwear
announcer · barker · impresario · spectacle · troupe · acts · menagerie · Barnum
Machinator or diagram machine
- architectBuilding design professional
- strategistExpert in planning campaigns
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- manipulatorOne who controls cunningly
schemer · brains · cunning · orchestration · conspiracy · plotting · tactics · planning
agitator
One who foments discord
- provocateurOne who deliberately incites
- inciterOne who provokes action
- fomenterOne who incites trouble
rabble-rouser · troublemaker · firebrand · demagogue · revolutionary · rebel · anarchist · subversive · seditionist · disruptor
orchestrator
One who organizes complex efforts
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- mob bossCriminal organization's top figure
- crime bossLeader of criminal organization
conspirator · accomplice · henchmen · syndicate · cartel · underworld · godfather · capo · don · racketeer
boss
Workplace superior
captain · director · coordinator · organizer · supervisor · overseer · hierarchy · chain of command · second-in-command · lieutenants
big top
Main circus tent
- performersThose who entertain audiences
- showmanDramatic, attention-grabbing performer
- whipStrikes or aerates
top hat · announcer · barker · impresario · spectacle · troupe · acts · menagerie · Barnum · greatest show
plotter
Machinator or diagram machine
- architectBuilding design professional
- strategistExpert in planning campaigns
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
manipulator · schemer · brains · cunning · orchestration · conspiracy · plotting · tactics · planning · behind-the-scenes
- leadersboss, bosses, chiefs, heads of state, chief
ringleadersfollowers
People who support someone
subordinates · underlings · minions · henchmen · lackeys