A crisis we face is that moral character seems to be declining in significance in everyday life and is not particularly relevant in evaluations of current political leaders. A case for character, however, can be mounted through the study of moral exemplars; in demonstrating that character is a viable construct and not an artifact of situational factors, that it explains more of moral functioning than cognition alone, and that it is causally operative in moral action. Aspects of the character of exemplary moral character can be found, for example, in the integrated motivation of agency and communion, the positive framing of life events, an expanded worldview, and beneficial early-life experiences. This better-grounded understanding of character can serve to expand the moral domain, enhance intervention efforts, and promote a more civil and caring society.