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 great hero.

(T.102): If this is your 2nd (or higher) roll on this table, you either were raised by one parent or only one parent worked, AND you are an only child. Proceed to Table 3.

Choose one...
(T.3): Plague strikes down most of your family. You are sick as well, so roll and Table 31 to see how you fare. You choose to have started adventuring after this tragedy.
(T.3): Plague strikes down most of your family. You are sick as well, so roll and table 31 to see how you fare. You can continue your backstory by rolling on table 17.

    >>>> (T.31): You barely make it. The experience leaves its scars, both physical and mental, but you find ways to compensate.

(T.17): You fall deeply in love with someone, and are distracted from everything else. Find out on Table 12 the fate of the object of your affection

(T.12): The person is preoccupied with a rival. You need to get their attention back with an act of vengeance on this rival on Table 9.

(T.9): A lust for revenge is not equal to an ability to track. You are lost in the wilderness on Table 24.

(T.24): You stumble into a wondrous glade where you meet a fey creature. It touches your forehead, and you fall unconscious, but not before a single portent appears in your mind, roll on Table 32 to see what. Your life of adventure begins when you awoke far from this wondrous place with this new knowledge in mind.

    >>>> (T.32): You have not one, but two souls within your body.


Total Rolls: 9
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: