The purpose of this study was to determine the manner in which one highly sophisticated sample of moral thinkers personify their moral values through the selection of moral exemplars. Participants, designated "nominators," were 22 distinguished scholars who had devoted much of their professional lives to thinking and writing about morality and related issues. These individuals included psychologists, philosophers, theologians, political scientists, and historians. The sample was chosen to represent the range of American political ideology and to include men and women, blacks and whites, and Jews, Catholics, and Protestants. Each nominator was given a semi-structured interview lasting about 2 hours during which a preliminary list of criteria offering a basis for identifying moral exemplars was presented for comment and modification. Nominators were also asked to provide a list of living persons who exemplified the revised criteria, as well as comments on the appropriateness of exemplars suggested by other nominators. Reasons behind each nominator's suggestions were thoroughly explored. Results concerning characteristics of the nominations are discussed and preliminary and revised criteria for defining moral exemplars are listed. Contrary to expectations, the revised set of criteria was acceptable to the sample of nominators. (RH)