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 villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine what kind of villain they were.

    >>>> (T.5): A beholder.

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

(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): You may have missed your chance earlier, but this time you are definitely joining the circus on Table 30.

[d20 = 12]
(T.30): Fire eater. Roll a d20. On a 12+, you succeed and take your act on the road. You will have proficiency in Survival. However, you become involved in a tavern brawl while touring on Table 23.

(T.23): They say you can't really know someone until you've had a bare-handed fight with them, and this seems to be the case. After fighting to a standstill, you and most of your opponents end up becoming great friends and drown the pain of your bruises in drink and song. You will have proficiency in Athletics. One of your new friends decides to ask you for help 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 manage to eke out some success, but one of the conditions is that you, personally, are taken away from one of the angered parties. You are escorted to Table 8.

(T.8): The tower of a wizard. Enter on Table 10.

(T.10): You save the wizards spellbook(s) from burning. The wizard happily rewards you with a potion of healing. With this potion in your starting gear, you begin your life of adventure (strength of the healing potion will depend on starting level).


Total Rolls: 12
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:
Survival
Athletics
Potion of Healing