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 an executioner.

(T.102): One of your parents was a craftsperson or skill artist.

(T.2): An identical twin.

(T.3): Someone in your family wanted to use you for some horrible purpose. You fled. Roll on Table 19

(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): A noble purchases you and agrees to allow you to work of your debt on Table 33.

(T.33): Your 'service' is actually as a slave. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): A friend manages to scrape together enough money to buy your freedom, but they want something in return. Find out what 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): Forgery.

(T.26): You become one of the greatest members of the group. When the group's current leader is killed by a rival, you take his place. Roll on Table 5 to see who the rival was. You will have proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Stealth. Additionally, regardless of your background, you have the Feature: Criminal Contact from the criminal background. Your life of adventure begins.

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


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:
Sleight of Hand
Stealth
Feature: Criminal Contact (criminal background)