Possible Clues:

• Couple to keep port clear? It has strings attached
• *Howdy Doody, for one
• One-time rat transformed into model character?
• Manipulated it, not a mere puppet
• Right about one single kept by friend: Puppet on a String
• One in a string band?
• Performer on wires
• Sailor outside port with fishing item is entertaining little figure
• 'I'm to enter a new arrangement', articulated performer
• Thing with strings