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 undertaker.

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

(T.2): Two sisters.

(T.3): You leave in search of a family heirloom or some other valuable or powerful item. Roll on Table 11.

(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): The leader of a criminal organization.

(T.19): You are captured and imprisoned on Table 21.

(T.21): You serve out your term in prison until you are freed. You start with 10% less starting gold. Roll on Table 31 with a -5 modifier to the roll to see the effects of this imprisonment. Then seek out a friend or family after your release on Table 11.

    >>>> (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.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 lich lord.

(T.19): You are captured and (re)sold into slavery. Go to Table 16.

(T.16): You revolt, and lead your fellow slaves in an escape attempt. See what fate has in store for you on Table 19.

(T.19): You are captured and imprisoned on Table 21.

(T.21): You either voluntarily join a prison gang or are coerced into doing so. Their contacts get you free, but now you owe them a favor on Table 26.

(T.26): You are responsible for many of the group’s big schemes and acts, and gain fame under an assumed name. You will have proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Deception. Eventually, the authorities catch up with you, but decide you are more useful working for them as a spy than a prisoner. Begin your life in espionage on Table 29.

(T.29): The target turns out to be a friend. You betray your employers and help them instead on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend needs you to convince someone to allow them to wed their beloved. Roll on Table 28 to see if you can do so.

(T.28): You are truly a great orator. You impress all involved, and they view you as an honored guest and bestow you with gifts. You will have +10% starting gold and proficiency in Persuasion and Insight. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 19
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:
10% Less Starting Gold
Sleight of Hand
Deception
10% More Starting Gold
Persuasion
Insight