Plautus was a Roman playwright who lived around 254 to 184 BCE. He is best known for his comedic plays, which often featured clever slaves, mistaken identities, and humorous situations. His works were influenced by Greek theater and are considered some of the earliest examples of Roman comedy. Many of Plautus's plays, such as Miles Gloriosus and Pseudolus, have survived and are still performed today. His writing style is characterized by witty dialogue and lively characters, making his plays entertaining for audiences. Plautus's influence can be seen in later playwrights, including Shakespeare and Molière.