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 you were adopted. Roll on this table another maximum of two times* as if it is your first and 2nd roll, for your biological parents, then again maximum of 2 times* (again as if it is your 1st and 2nd roll). After this, you may move on to Table 2.
Biological Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was a craftsperson or skill artist.

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

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was a healer. You will have proficiency in Medicine.

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

(T.2): Only child.

(T.3): You were apprenticed or sent to be trained. Roll on Table 4 to determine who by or what as.

(T.4): Being a merchant's assistant may not be that exciting, but it is lucrative. Add 10% to your starting gold! Then roll on Table 6.

(T.6): You prove to be an able merchant. You will have proficiency in Persuasion. But one of your business trips gets interrupted. Proceed to Table 17.

(T.17): You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. You are sent to jail on Table 21.

(T.21): They though that putting you here would be the end of you, but instead you essentially become the 'boss' of the prison you're in. Your loyal followers arrange for you to be released and even given a bit of gold when you are. You will have +20% starting gold and proficiency in Intimidation and your choice of either Deception or Persuasion. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 11
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
Medicine
10% More Starting Gold
Persuasion
20% More Starting Gold
Intimidation
Deception or Persuasion