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 priest. You will have proficiency in Religion.

(T.2): A younger sister.

(T.3): Who doesn't want to run away and join the circus? Clearly not you, as that's just what you did. Roll on Table 30.

[d20 = 8]
(T.30): A knife thrower. Roll a d20. However, if you roll less than 15, you accidentally injure or kill someone. You quickly find out that "it's part of the act" is no excuse for murder when you are thrown into jail on Table 21.

(T.21): You are tough, and the warden decides you might be fit for military service. Roll on Table 22.

Choose one...
(T.22): You survive your time as a soldier, but not without cost. One of your limbs has been lost and replaced with a prosthetic. You learn to compensate for your loss, becoming stronger than before. You will have proficiency in Athletics. You have begun your life of adventure after the war.
(T.22): You survive your time as a soldier, but not without cost. One of your limbs has been lost and replaced with a prosthetic. You learn to compensate for your loss, becoming stronger than before. You will have proficiency in Athletics. You can roll on Table 11 to try searching for a magical false limb.

(T.11): You turn up nothing. Your life of adventure begins with no progress made in this search.


Total Rolls: 8
Your age is TEENAGER
Teenagers are dexterious and hardy, and often are cocky enough to be quite assertive and convincing. Unfortunately, this does not translate into 'real' wisdom or intelligence, and a teenagers body still has some growth to do before they'll be at peak strength.
+1 CHA, +1 DEX, +1 CON, -1 INT, -1 WIS, -1 STR

Proficiencies:
Religion
Athletics