Final answer:
Aristotle wrote The Poetics around 335 B.C., which is a foundational text in the field of dramatic criticism, introducing key elements of theatre and the concept of imitation in poetry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Poetics, widely regarded as the single most important piece of dramatic criticism, was written by the Greek philosopher Aristotle around 335 B.C. Aristotle's work attempts to define the nature of both tragedy and comedy and is celebrated for identifying the six crucial elements of theatre: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and song. His emphasis on imitation as a poet's task has had a profound impact on our understanding of acting and dramatic literature. In Poetics, Aristotle employed his analytical skills to dissect and examine the components of script analysis, often illustrating his concepts through the example of Sophocles' play Oedipus the King, which he felt perfectly embodied these elements.