I, too, am currently waiting for an international order, and, today, my package is listed on the USPS web site with Your item arrived in the United States in ISC NEW YORK NY(USPS) at 11:39 PM on July 23, 2010. and the always present Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day.
A protagonist (from Ancient Greek ÏÏÏÏÎ±Î³ÏÎ½Î¹ÏÏÎ®Ï (protagonistes), meaning 'player of the first part, chief actor') is the main character in any story, such as a literary work or drama. The protagonist is at the center of the story, typically makes the key decisions and experiences the consequences of those decisions.
Excellent question. The hero is usually, but not necessarily the protagonist, and the protagonist doesn't have to be a hero. The protagonist is the main character of any given work, the person who's plot arc you're following, the person who's success or failure is what the power of the story depends on. The hero is the good guy, the person who's primarily responsible for saving the day.