10 greatest villains in all of literature

A list of the 10 greatest villains in all of literature – the most memorable bad-guys of the fictive world . 

4. Simon Legree from "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" by Harriet Beacher Stowe

This man is an extremely cruel plantation owner who sees his slaves as nothing more than feelingless objects to be used or abused as he pleases. He beats his slaves and rapes the women with the assistance of his henchmen Quimbo and Sambo. Legree tries to break Uncle Tom’s good spirit when Tom refuses to abuse the other slaves. His hunt after Tom and two female slaves when they escape leads to a beating harsh enough to kill. This man is the embodiment of the most evil aspects of slavery. He is remembered as one of the vilest characters in all of classic literature.   

7 of 10
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us