Some questions about superego development are considered, including the distinctions between ego ideal and superego, the separation between ego and superego, the similarity between ego and superego identification, the significance of preoedipal factors, and the important structural gains that result from superego establishment. The organization of the superego is described and important factors in superego development stressed. Among these are the close link between the superego, narcissism, and the instincts; the trend from reliance on external objects to internalization; the need for renunciation of omnipotent bonds with objects, and the capacity for regression within the superego. Clinical examples are provided. The role of the superego in promoting the stability of the self-representation is illustrated.