This tool is based on the work of user Arachobia on RPG Crossing with his permission. He had taken a list of tables from Dragon magazine #422 in an article called "Building Character" by Matt Sernett and updated them for 5th edition. I've turned them into an automatic tool for generating a characters background.

Instructions: Refresh the page to generate a new background story. As always, you can use it however you like and fill in your own details. Your age and acquired proficiencies are listed at the bottom and are based on the results you got. Try to pick a Race/Class/Background combo that fulfills all the proficiencies. Your age may also result in ability score modifiers that can be applied after building your character.

...or ignore everything and do whatever you want. Whatever.
Background Generator

(T.101): One of your parents was a great hero.

(T.102): One of your parents was a lawyer. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

(T.2): You are the youngest of a 7 sibling family.

(T.3): You eloped. Scandalous! Roll on Table 12 to see how this worked out.

Choose one...
(T.12): The person was a family relation all along. You can begin adventuring with this knowledge.
(T.12): The person was a family relation all along. You can re-roll on this table again to see what further happens to them.

(T.112): The person is being blackmailed by a criminal organization. You decide to infiltrate said organization to discover the blackmailer's identity on Table 26.

(T.26): The group sets you up and frames you for a crime. Roll on Table 15 to see which one, then go to jail on Table 21.

    >>>> (T.15): Poaching.

(T.21): You serve out your term in prison until you are freed. You start with 10% less starting gold. Roll on Table 31 with a -5 modifier to the roll to see the effects of this imprisonment. Then seek out a friend or family after your release on Table 11.

    >>>> (T.31): You pull through easily enough. You will have proficiency in Survival.

(T.11): In your search, you turn up the activities of a villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine which villain. Then try escape their wrath on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.5): A doppelganger.

(T.19): You manage to shake your pursuers who appear to give up, for now. You will have proficiency in Stealth. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 13
Your age is ADULT
Adults are at the most equalized stage of development. From here their physical body will begin to weaken while their minds and personalities benefit from experience.
Adults have no modifiers to their attributes.

Proficiencies:
Persuasion
10% Less Starting Gold
Survival
Stealth