Final answer:
William Shakespeare, the famed Elizabethan playwright, actor, and part-owner of the Globe Theatre, is the figure referred to. He innovated the English language extensively but did not invent new techniques in playwriting. Despite this, Shakespeare is celebrated as one of the greatest playwrights in history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The great playwright referenced in the question, who did not invent anything new about the art form but was still one of the greatest, is William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was a profound playwright, actor, and part-owner of the Globe Theatre during the Elizabethan Age. He is known for re-inventing the English language, creating at least 1,700 new words. Although he did not introduce new structures to the art form, his contributions to drama and literature have solidified his legacy as one of the most influential playwrights in history.
Playwrights across different eras have contributed significantly to the evolution of theater. From Sophocles, who introduced dramatic innovations such as the third actor, to Eugene O'Neill, who elevated American theatrical drama and won the Nobel Prize for Literature. There are others like Anton Chekhov and George Bernard Shaw who gave us plays that delved into psychological realities and social critique.
The art of playwriting encompasses being architects in the theatre, crafting complex character interactions, conflict, dialogues, plots, and subplots to create engaging stories. Playwrights like Shakespeare applied their multifaceted talents as writers, actors, and directors, contributing to the layered and enduring nature of their works.