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 diplomat. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

(T.102): If this is your 2nd (or higher) roll on this table, you either were raised by one parent or only one parent worked AND you have four younger siblings (you are the oldest). Proceed to Table 3.

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

Choose one...
(T.12): The person dies of a disease, and you get it too. Roll on Table 31 to beat the illness. You have begun adventuring at this point.
(T.12): The person dies of a disease, and you get it too. Roll on Table 31 to beat the illness. You can drown your sorrows in drink and become involved in a tavern brawl on Table 23.

    >>>> (T.31): You barely make it. The experience leaves its scars, both physical and mental, but you find ways to compensate.

(T.23): You end up unconscious on the floor, but the tavern owner admires your style and keeps you out of trouble with the law. You still have to work off some of the damages though. While working, you overhear a conspiracy. When you report it, you are hired to infiltrate the conspirator's group. Roll on Table 29.

(T.29): You begin to uncover a conspiracy, but you need more information. Proceed on Table 11.

(T.11): You find what you are looking for. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on the associated table depending on what you were looking for: Information - Table 14.

(T.14): The information turns out to be false. You are not sure whether you were deceived deliberately, or where you might find the truth. Suitably confused, your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 9
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
Investigation