Group Search
This is an activity best used in cooperative groups.
The basic idea is to search through a text to find passages which prove
statements students make upon finishing a novel, play, short story, or poem.
I use it several times throughout the course of a year, usually as an
exercise in characterization, but I have also found it adaptable to the
study of plot, setting and theme.   

1.  Students list the major players in the work they have
read.  (at least the protagonist and antagonist)

2.  On the board or overhead I set up a column for each
character named and ask the students to blurt out some traits for each.
Invariably someone shouts a ridiculous response.  I list it anyway (We can
prove it wrong later).  

3.  Next each group is assigned a character for which they
must locate proof in the text to support the characteristics I assign them
from our list.  They may be able to find proof to the contrary of the trait
listed.  That works too.  

4.  We share our results.  Sometimes, depending on the
length of the work, this activity takes more than one period.  

5.  After hearing the evidence, we vote as a class as to
whether or not the trait actually exists in that character.  Sometimes,
depending on the length of the work, this activity takes more than one
period.

I make sure that I assign each group the best or most
insightful traits listed by the class.  I don't want them finding a direct
statement like, "Todd is tall."  They should be searching for traits
revealed by the character's words, actions, thoughts, or the words and
actions of other characters.   You'll be surprised what they come up with.  

This transitions well into a character profile paper.
Mike Jackson 
English Teacher
Houston County High School