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 noble. You will have +25% starting gold and proficiency in Insight.

(T.102): One of your parents was a healer. You will have proficiency in Medicine.

(T.2): An older sister and a stepbrother.

(T.3): You were kidnapped and enslaved. Roll on Table 16

(T.16): You are forced to mine for precious minerals underground. You will have training in Nature from developing a good knowledge of terrain. One day you become lost and have to find your way out on Table 25.

(T.25): You run into a dwarf surveying the area for places to mine. They lead you back to civilization, then asks you for a favor on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend was no true friend at all! They merely wished to frame you for a crime. Serve your time 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): You meet a rival spy in the course of your mission, and the pair of you play a deadly game of banter and underhand tactics. However, you eventually come to respect each other and part on friendly terms, your target(s) none the wiser. You will have proficiency in Deception and Stealth. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 10
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
Nature
Sleight of Hand
Deception
Stealth