Which comedic dramatist’s works significantly influenced later playwrights such as Shakespeare?

The playwright whose works significantly influenced later playwrights, including Shakespeare, is Plautus. This Roman author is notable for his contributions to comedic theater during the 3rd century BCE. He created numerous comic plays that featured elements such as mistaken identities, humorous situations, and character archetypes like the clever servant and the braggart soldier.

These elements became foundational in the development of Western comedy and were later emulated by playwrights in the Renaissance, including Shakespeare. Shakespeare admired and incorporated aspects of Roman comedic traditions, and it is evident in plays like "The Comedy of Errors," which draws from Plautus’ "Menaechmi."

Though Terence, another Roman playwright, did influence comedy as well, Plautus is often credited with a more direct impact on the comedic structure and character development that would inspire numerous works in English literature. The richness of Plautus' comedic style and his ability to engage with human nature through humor is what sets him apart as a significant precursor to later playwrights.