Final answer:
The given characters in the options do not directly represent a cruel antagonist and slave owner in African American folk tales. Br'er Rabbit, for instance, is a clever trickster, not a villain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The often cruel antagonist in African American folk tales of the south, who is also depicted as a villain and slave owner, is not directly represented in the given options (a. Br'er Fox, b. Br'er Rabbit, c. John Henry, d. Paul Bunyan). African American folklore doesn't typically personify the slave owner within the animal characters. Br'er Rabbit is a trickster who outwits his opponents, but he is not a villain or slave owner. The stories involving characters like Br'er Rabbit served as a form of comfort and a covert resistance to the cruelty faced by enslaved individuals, illustrating their intellect and resilience.
Br'er Rabbit was an especially prominent character in these stories, often showing wit and cleverness to overcome challenges or antagonists. The cruelty and harshness of life under slavery were conveyed through these stories and work songs, which had both literal and deeper meanings that only the enslaved would understand, reflecting on their experiences and symbolizing their desire for freedom and justice.