Final answer:
Aeschylus is regarded as the first Greek playwright to add a second actor, creating true dramatic exchange between characters and diminishing the chorus's role. His innovations were further developed by Sophocles and Euripides, who advanced plot complexities and character interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Greek tragedian who is considered the first playwright to create true dramatic exchange between characters by adding a second actor is Aeschylus. Prior to Aeschylus, performances relied heavily on the chorus. However, Aeschylus decreased the chorus's role and introduced a second actor, enhancing the dialogue's prominence in his plays. He is also credited with reducing the size of the chorus and developing the theatrical concept that we understand as drama. The Oresteia, his celebrated trilogy comprising 'Agamemnon', 'The Libation Bearers', and 'The Eumenides', embodies these innovations in Greek theater.
While Aeschylus established the foundation for dramatic interactions, it was Sophocles who later expanded the number of actors to three, further sophisticating the structure and dynamics of Greek drama. His influential works, such as 'Oedipus Rex' and 'Antigone', exemplify the use of complex characterization and interactions. On another front, Euripides focused on humanizing heroes and integrating strong female protagonists. His approach altered the function of the chorus as well, which became less significant in his character-driven dramas, like 'Medea'
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Overall, these three tragedians—Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides—pioneered and evolved the art of Greek tragedy, setting the stage for future developments in Western drama and theater.