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 farmer.

(T.102): One of your parents was a noble. You will have +25% starting gold and proficiency in Insight.

(T.2): An identical twin AND a younger brother.

(T.3): You left to search for a missing or distant sibling. If you thought you were an only child, turns out you were wrong and you learn of a half-sibling to seek out. Roll on Table 11.

(T.11): Good idea: Plying folk with drinks to try find information. Bad idea: Drinking so much yourself that you start a brawl in the tavern. Stagger on over to Table 23.

(T.23): They say you can't really know someone until you've had a bare-handed fight with them, and this seems to be the case. After fighting to a standstill, you and most of your opponents end up becoming great friends and drown the pain of your bruises in drink and song. You will have proficiency in Athletics. One of your new friends decides to ask you for help on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend didn't want your help. They actually just wanted to lure you to a party in your honor! That's the good news. Unfortunately, things get a bit out of hand on Table 23.

(T.23): You manage to fight or sneak your way out of the fight before the law shows up. You either have proficiency in Athletics or Stealth. Roll on Table 8 to see where you lay low.

(T.8): A military camp. You are drafted to Table 22.

(T.22): Your unit and an enemy unit end up in a stand-off. Try negotiate a truce 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 are a recognized hero who rises through the ranks. You will have +15% starting gold and proficiency in Athletics. Also, regardless of your background, you always have the Feature: Military Rank from the soldier background. 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:
25% More Starting Gold
Insight
Athletics
Athletics or Stealth
15% More Starting Gold
Feature: Military Rank (Soldier background)