Simon Legree is a fictional character from Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," published in 1852. He is portrayed as a cruel and ruthless plantation owner who embodies the harsh realities of slavery in the American South. Legree's character serves as a representation of the moral corruption and inhumanity associated with the institution of slavery. As a villain, Legree is known for his violent treatment of enslaved people, particularly Uncle Tom, the novel's protagonist. His actions highlight the struggle for freedom and the brutal conditions faced by those enslaved. Legree's character has become a symbol of the oppressive forces that perpetuated slavery in the United States.