ABSTRACT
In previous chapters, we’ve discussed how your puppet’s costume and costume accessories can play a large part in defining its character. While the main focus of this work is on costumes-the clothing and accessories worn by your puppet to create the appearance characteristic of its role-there
are many instances where small hand props can be just as integral in helping
define that role. Tiny Tim’s crutch in A Christmas Carol, while not worn as an
actual costume piece, is certainly an iconic part of his overall character presen-
tation, and is just as important in defining his costume as his hat or scarf. In
this chapter, we’ll take a look at several basic hand props that can be used to
enhance your puppet’s costume, and that can give your audience additional
information on its character.