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 soldier.

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

(T.2): An older brother.

Choose one...
(T.3): Plague strikes down most of your family. You are sick as well, so roll and Table 31 to see how you fare. You choose to have started adventuring after this tragedy.
(T.3): Plague strikes down most of your family. You are sick as well, so roll and table 31 to see how you fare. You can continue your backstory by rolling on table 17.

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

(T.17): You run afoul of slavers. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): You are forced to mine for precious minerals underground. You will have training in Nature from developing a good knowledge of terrain. One day you become lost and have to find your way out on Table 25.

(T.25): Beneath the earth, you discover a huge statue with ruby eyes. You pry one lose, but then are forced to flee when a tribe of goblins chases you out of the tunnels. On the bright side, they chase you back to the surface where you sell the ruby for a tidy profit. You will have +50% starting gold. On the downside, it turns out the ruby cursed you. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): You were cursed to never again taste food or experience any joy from music or song. Can you find the information you need to lift this curse on Table 11?

(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 dragon.

(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:
Nature
50% More Starting Gold
Investigation
Stealth