Pulcinella

thumb|upright|Pulcinella in a 19th-century Italian print thumb|upright|Capodimonte porcelain jar with three figures of Pulcinella. [[Naples, Italy, 1745–1750.]] Pulcinella (; ) is a classical character that originated in commedia dell'arte of the 17th century and became a stock character in Neapolitan puppetry. Pulcinella's versatility in status and attitude have helped maintain the character's popularity in various forms since his introduction to commedia dell'arte by in 1620.

1911 ballet by Igor Stravinsky, Michel Fokine and Alexandre Benois, Ballets Russes

Guignol () is the main character in a French puppet show which has come to bear his name. It represents the workers in the silk industry of France. Although often thought of as children's entertainment, Guignol's sharp wit and linguistic verve have always been appreciated by adults as well, as shown by the motto of a prominent Lyon troupe: "Guignol amuses children… and witty adults."

ballet by Igor Stravinsky from year 1920, choreographed by Léonide Massine

traditional British puppet show

thumb|A Kasperle puppet

Petrushka () is a stock character of Russian folk puppetry. It was first introduced by traveling Italian performers in the first third of the 19th century during a period of Westernization in Russian culture. While most core characters came from Italy, they were soon transformed by the addition of material from the Russian cultural context.' Petrushkas are traditionally hand puppets. The character is a kind of a jester, a slapstick protagonist distinguished by his red dress, a red kolpak, and often a long nose.