Each gets its own custom tailored costume. Any inanimate object that is seemingly brought to life is a puppet. However, we usually refer to a puppet that is worked by strings as a marionette. There are basically three types - hand, rod and string puppets. They all have their advantages and limitations.
Some stories seem to lend themselves to one technique more than another.
However, in some countries puppeteers concentrate on one type of puppet for reasons of tradition. Why it is important to people is a mystery. Being a repertory company, we have an increasing number of puppets at our disposal. Trunks and trunks full.