Final answer:
A deliberate literary craftsman who sought to entertain his readers is best described as a playwright, a term that encompasses the roles of builder, poet, and historian within the theatrical realm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term deliberate literary craftsman who sought to entertain his readers could most accurately describe a playwright. This is someone who is not just a writer of plays, but a builder of plays; they craft stories to be performed and embodied by actors on the stage. According to the historical context provided, during the 16th and 17th centuries, the theater was a central cultural venue where playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe showcased their works. These literary figures crafted poetic language that was designed primarily for recital and performance. They were indeed architects for the theatre, combining the roles of visionary, poet, historian, and anthropologist. They understood that plays are constructed and consist of various parts such as conflict, characters, dialogue, plot, and subplots, hence creating structures with dramatic energy that engage the audience deeply.