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 bodyguard.

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

(T.2): Two brothers.

(T.3): What better way to see the world then with a caravan? Roll on Table 20.

(T.20): Nothing exciting happens and you are literally so bored that you pass out at the next stop. When you wake up, the caravan has vanished. Roll on Table 8 to see where you were abandoned.

(T.8): A travelling circus. You can travel with them, but only if you can join the act on Table 30.

[d20 = 6]
(T.30): An acrobat. Roll a d20. If you roll less than 12, you injure yourself. Roll on Table 31. Your life of adventure begins after being discharged from whatever place of healing the circus left you at.

    >>>> (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.


Total Rolls: 8
Your age is TEENAGER
Teenagers are dexterious and hardy, and often are cocky enough to be quite assertive and convincing. Unfortunately, this does not translate into 'real' wisdom or intelligence, and a teenagers body still has some growth to do before they'll be at peak strength.
+1 CHA, +1 DEX, +1 CON, -1 INT, -1 WIS, -1 STR

Proficiencies: