Sophocles was an ancient Greek playwright who lived from around 496 to 406 BC. He is considered one of the three great tragedians of classical Athens, along with Aeschylus and Euripides. Sophocles is best known for his plays, including "Oedipus Rex," "Antigone," and "Electra," which are still widely studied and performed today. His works are known for their exploration of human nature, fate, and the consequences of one's actions. Sophocles' writing style and dramatic innovations had a significant influence on the development of Western theater and literature.