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 lawyer. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

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

(T.2): Two sisters.

Choose one...
(T.3): A villain destroyed your home. Roll on Table 5 to determine the villain responsible. You start adventuring now, just after having your home destroyed.
(T.3): A villain destroyed your home. Roll on table 5 to determine the villain responsible. Roll on Table 9 if you want to have already tried to take revenge.

    >>>> (T.5): A lich lord.

(T.9): You become trapped with your enemy. Now, former foes must work together to survive! Roll on Table 31 to see how you in particular fare from this arrangement, then roll on Table 8 to see where you eventually ended up after enduring your ordeal and parting ways with your possibly former enemy (or they ran away once they no longer needed you).

    >>>> (T.31): It’s tough, but you pull through with high spirits and no permanent damage.

(T.8): A friend's house. Just as well as it seems they need your help. Find out what for on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend needs you to convince someone to allow them to wed their beloved. Roll on Table 28 to see if you can do so.

(T.28): You make a convincing argument and win the respect of those who hear it. You will have proficiency in Persuasion. A noble comes to know of your skill and hires you on Table 33.

(T.33): Someone related to the noble likes you... like REALLY likes you. The noble decides to banish you to Table 24 before things get out of hand.

(T.24): You befriend a wild mount. You will have proficiency in Animal Handling and a free mount of your choice (but no higher than your starting level). With your mount you make your way back to civilization and your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 12
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
Animal Handling
Mount of your choice (same level or lower)