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 craftsperson or skill artist.

(T.102): One of your parents was a farmer.

(T.2): Two stepsisters.

(T.3): You were apprenticed or sent to be trained. Roll on Table 4 to determine who by or what as.

(T.4): While others may seek out gold, magic or combat, you sought out a life of art and skill with a great craftsman or artist. Of course, being a tutor need not be uneventful, Find out what happened to your mentor on Table 12.

(T.12): The person needs your help on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend needs help in illegal activites: roll on Table 15. You succeed, but the local criminal organization is alerted to your unsanctioned activities. Find out the consequences of Table 26.

    >>>> (T.15): Rabble-Rousing/Rebellion.

(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): Sacrilege/Blasphemy.

(T.21): You either voluntarily join a prison gang or are coerced into doing so. Their contacts get you free, but now you owe them a favor 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): Catpurse.

(T.21): You either voluntarily join a prison gang or are coerced into doing so. Their contacts get you free, but now you owe them a favor on Table 26.

(T.26): You are responsible for many of the group’s big schemes and acts, and gain fame under an assumed name. You will have proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Deception. Eventually, the authorities catch up with you, but decide you are more useful working for them as a spy than a prisoner. Begin your life in espionage on Table 29.

(T.29): A dangerous villain is working with your targets. Roll on Table 5 to see what villain. Through superior skills in Deception, you manage to get close to this villain and steal the information you need. However, after you've gone they figure out you were the spy and you must try escape on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.5): The leader of a criminal organization.

(T.19): You are captured and imprisoned on Table 21.

(T.21): You become known as a troublemaker, and eventually your captor or your guards decide it'll be easier to just hand you over to slavers. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): You escape your life as a slave, and want to make the one responsible pay. If you have not yet encountered a villain who could be responsible for your enslavement, roll on Table 5 now. Either way, proceed to Table 9.

    >>>> (T.5): A dragon.

(T.9): You bit off more than you can chew; your enemy is far too powerful for you to take on. Resort to trying to talk your way out of trouble on Table 28.

(T.28): You are so bad at trying to negotiate that you actually may have started a war. At any rate, you find you are pressed into service on Table 22.

(T.22): You survive your service intact. You are released from service far from where you came on Table 8.

(T.8): A town in a swamp which, it turns out, is a great place for outbreaks of plague. Endure the illness on Table 31, then search for a cure on Table 11.

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

(T.11): You discover you need more information to find what you seek. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on this table again, but regardless of what you were searching for originally, you now are seeking information.

(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 noble.

(T.19): You are captured and (re)sold into slavery. Go to Table 16.

(T.16): You revolt, and lead your fellow slaves in an escape attempt. See what fate has in store for you on Table 19.

(T.19): You evade your pursuers for now, but you know they are never going to be far behind and you must remain alert. You will have proficiency in Perception. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 32
Your age is OLD
At this point, many individuals are reaching the end of their natural span.
+2 INT, +2 WIS, +2 CHA, -2 STR, -2 DEX, -2 CON

Proficiencies:
Sleight of Hand
Deception
Investigation
Perception