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 raised by animals or beasts. They can either be unintelligent creatures like wolves, or a sentient animal like a unicorn. You will have proficiency in Animal Handling. Continue on to Table 2 and it is up to you whether any siblings you have were your biological siblings, or your animal-parents own young, or a mixture.

(T.2): A younger brother.

(T.3): Your parents need to give a noble a gift: you! Roll on Table 33

(T.33): You come to view the noble as a good friend. You have proficiency in Insight and Persuasion. The noble asks you, as a friend, for help on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend needs help in illegal activites: roll on Table 15. You succeed, but the local criminal organization is alerted to your unsanctioned activities. Find out the consequences of Table 26.

    >>>> (T.15): Smuggling.

(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 begin to uncover a conspiracy, but you need more information. Proceed on Table 11.

(T.11): You find what you are looking for. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on the associated table depending on what you were looking for: Information - Table 14.

(T.14): You find that this is a riddle wrapped in an enigma, so to speak. You need to find even more information to solve the mystery. Dig further on Table 11.

(T.11): You turn up nothing. Your life of adventure begins with no progress made in this search.


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:
Animal Handling
Insight
Persuasion
Sleight of Hand
Deception
Investigation