Was Simon legree real

Simon Legree is a fictional character from Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," published in 1852. He represents the cruel and oppressive nature of slavery in the United States. While Legree himself was not a real person, the character was inspired by the harsh realities faced by enslaved individuals and the brutal slave owners of that era. The novel played a significant role in shaping public opinion against slavery.