TASK DEFINITION: Given a factoid/trivia type question, generate the topic of the question. The topic is the entity the question talks about.
PROBLEM: In America, as what was Bill Shoemaker famous?

SOLUTION: bill shoemaker

PROBLEM: Which popular animated characters, first seen in 1996 include many different characters including ones called Ash Ketchum, Tracy Sketchit and Gar Oak?

SOLUTION: tracy

PROBLEM: US actor Ed Harris directed and starred in which 2000 film about an American artist?

SOLUTION:
ed harris