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): If this is your 1st roll on this table, your family was poor. You will have 25% less starting gold. Continue on to Table 2.

(T.2): Two sisters.

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

Choose one...
(T.12): The person was a family relation all along. You can begin adventuring with this knowledge.
(T.12): The person was a family relation all along. You can re-roll on this table again to see what further happens to them.

(T.112): The person is a villain. Roll on Table 5 to see what kind of villain, then roll on Table 9 to move against them.

    >>>> (T.5): A wizard.

(T.9): You become trapped with your enemy. Now, former foes must work together to survive! Roll on Table 31 to see how you in particular fare from this arrangement, then roll on Table 8 to see where you eventually ended up after enduring your ordeal and parting ways with your possibly former enemy (or they ran away once they no longer needed you).

    >>>> (T.31): You nearly die and are permanently physically scarred. You suffer a pronounced limp, a wracking cough, a twisted hand, a blind eye or some other ailment or combination of ailments.

(T.8): A forest with elven guardians. They'll give you a chance to explain your trespass on Table 28.

(T.28): You make a convincing argument and win the respect of those who hear it. You will have proficiency in Persuasion. A noble comes to know of your skill and hires you on Table 33.

(T.33): You come to view the noble as a good friend. You have proficiency in Insight and Persuasion. The noble asks you, as a friend, for help on Table 18.

(T.18): A member of your family is slated for execution and your friend wants to help YOU rescue them. You succeed, but now you have to flee 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: 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:
25% Less Starting Gold
Persuasion
Insight
Perception