Why Does Nightwing Keep Going?

This may seem like a silly question. After all, we all know that Dick Grayson's parents were murdered, he was taken in by Bruce Wayne, trained as Robin, and became a crime fighting partner to Batman. He fights crime because he fights crime, what more do you need to know? Well, as a member of the third generation of crime fighters (the first being the JSA and the second being the JLA), Dick has been a superhero longer than most at his age. He has had opportunities to get out of the superhero gig before. Others have done so (temporarily), like Wally West in the 1980s. Even Dick considered hanging up the Nightwing suit in 1995's Nightwing miniseries.

However, by the end of that mini, Dick decided to keep going. But why? Because one of the most consistent character traits of Dick Grayson's is a combination of honoring those in his past, and a simple desire to help people. Dick has inherent urges to do good, and the influence of his parents, Batman, Superman, the Titans, and others have helped him continue to do good in the unique way taught to him by Batman. In every decade since the creation of Nightwing, Dick has defined who he is and why he does what he does:

The 1980s:

In Tales of the Teen Titans #44 Nightwing is born. Dick's inner monologue reflects on his past and his future. Nightwing is born out of the influence of Batman, Superman, Starfire, and his parents. Dick has been struggling to define himself after giving up Robin, and finds his direction in honoring those who made him, while becoming a better version of himself.

"I'm the sum of so many people who have influenced and shaped my thinking, and given me love...But now I become someone new who commemorates all those who made me someone special."

Tales of the Teen Titans #44

The 1990s:

The 90s were a rough period for Dick, especially the first half. His relationship with Starfire fell apart, he was removed from the Titans, and Bruce chose Azrael before him as his replacement and their relationship was very tense. Dick felt somewhat unsure of himself, and aimless. In 1995 he almost gave up the superhero gig altogether. However, after pursuing a case relating to the death of his parents, he reaffirms his belief in himself, in Batman's teachings, and in being a superhero. The reaffirmation pushes Dick into tackling one of the toughest cities in the nation, Bludhaven.

"I'm going to use what I've been given. The world if full of Miggy Websters--lost and desperate people who have no one to ask for help. From now on, they'll have me."

Nightwing vol. 1 #4

The 2000s:

In the 2000s Dick went through even more struggles. Bludhaven was destroyed, he had a mental breakdown, Donna Troy died, his relationship with Barbara Gordon ended, and he almost died in Infinite Crisis. Following these events, Dick moved back to New York City to "figure out what he wanted to be when he grew up." His personal life was aimless for a time, and he couldn't seem to catch a break as Nightwing. Despite this, Dick kept pushing through the hurt, and came out stronger.

"You figure out pretty fast that no matter how hard it is, or how impossible it gets...you don't...you can't...you shouldn't ever give up."

Nightwing vol. 2 #128

When asked why he keeps going, his answer is simple:

"When I see something really wrong, I can't rest until I make it better. Long time ago this bad thing happened. Then someone went out of his way to do good. Even then I could tell, helping me somehow helped him, too."

Nightwing vol. 2 #132

The 2010s:

In 2011 DC reset their continuity with Flashpoint. After the reset, Dick went back to being Nightwing after having been Batman for several years. This new version of Nightwing was no less heroic, and remained very similar in motivations to his pre-Flashpoint self. After having a year that included the destruction of Haly's Circus, the death of Damian Wayne, and the discovery that Tony Zucco was still alive, Dick moved to Chicago, to track down Zucco and get a fresh start. His time in Chicago was no less trying, but he did get some wins, and took solace in his ability to keep doing good, despite difficulties and complications.

"I mean, I grew up in a circus. It's always been about catching people when they fall."

Nightwing vol. 3 #29

Shortly after these events, Dick was tortured and killed by the Crime Syndicate. Lex Luthor revived him, and Dick was sent on an undercover mission to Spyral. These events were traumatic for Dick, as nobody else knew he was alive. Alone in a hostile environment, separated from his friends and family, Dick was at risk of losing touch with himself. However, he was able to persevere, and come out the other side as Nightwing once more.

"I owe it to my mom and dad to face fear with a grin. And I try to pay Bruce Wayne back by doing for others what he did for me. By being their net. By catching them before they hit the ground."

Nightwing vol. 4 #1

The 2020s:

Through nearly 40 years of history, Nightwing's mission statement has remained largely the same. Honor those who made him who he his, help and protect the hopeless, and catch people when they fall. That's Nightwing. It isn't clear where the 2020s will take Nightwing next, but with his recent return there was a moment of self definition on his part as he regained his memories. He saw visions of those who are close to him as he remembered his identity. Dick has often defined himself in terms of his relationships to others and history with his loved ones, and this shows that clearly.

Nightwing vol. 4 #74