Terence was a Roman playwright of the 2nd century BCE, known for his comedic works. He was born in Carthage and brought to Rome as a slave, later gaining his freedom. His plays are characterized by their witty dialogue and exploration of social themes, often drawing from Greek sources. His most famous works include Andria, Hecyra, and Phormio. Terence's style emphasized character development and realistic situations, influencing later playwrights, including Shakespeare. His contributions to literature helped shape the genre of comedy in Western theater.