Final answer:
Henrik Ibsen is considered to be the first realistic playwright in modern theater, known for his groundbreaking works like 'A Doll's House' which challenged traditional theater by presenting realistic situations and psychological depth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Henrik Ibsen: The Father of Modern Realistic Drama
The first realistic playwright in modern theater, and thus the subject of your question, is Henrik Ibsen. He is widely recognized as the individual who introduced realism to the stage, significantly impacting the direction of modern drama. Ibsen's plays were groundbreaking in their departure from traditional theater, focusing on realistic situations and psychological depth.
His seminal work, A Doll's House, epitomizes his revolutionary approach, presenting a critical look at the role of women in society and capturing the complexity of his characters' motivations and the influence of their environment. Ibsen's legacy provided the framework for subsequent realistic writers, including Chekov and Shaw, and reshaped the expectations for theater to reflect social issues with authenticity.
Other prominent figures in the realm of realistic theater include Anton Chekov, noted for his portrayal of psychological realities and social entrapment, and George Bernard Shaw, whose plays feature sharp wit and societal critique. Eugene O'Neill further carried the torch of realism in American drama, earning numerous accolades for his deeply personal and realistic storytelling.