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 adopted. Roll on this table another maximum of two times* as if it is your first and 2nd roll, for your biological parents, then again maximum of 2 times* (again as if it is your 1st and 2nd roll). After this, you may move on to Table 2.
Biological Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was an executioner.

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was a craftsperson or skill artist.
Adoptive Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was an executioner.

    >>>> (T.102): If this is your 2nd (or higher) roll on this table, you were separated from your siblings as a child. Continue on to Table 2 to determine these siblings, re-rolling if you roll a 1, 2 or 20.

(T.2): A fraternal (i.e. non-Identical) twin.

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 pull through easily enough. You will have proficiency in Survival.

(T.17): You run afoul of slavers. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): You revolt, and lead your fellow slaves in an escape attempt. See what fate has in store for you on Table 19.

(T.19): You are captured and imprisoned on Table 21.

(T.21): You spend a year rotting in captivity. Roll an Table 31 to see how this affects you, then roll on this table again.

    >>>> (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.

(T.21): You spend a year rotting in captivity. Roll an Table 31 to see how this affects you, then roll on this table again.

    >>>> (T.31): You pull through easily enough. You will have proficiency in Survival.

(T.21): You are scheduled for execution, but at the last moment a noble decides to intervene and buy your freedom if you serve them. Roll on Table 33.

(T.33): The noble becomes confidant of your economic aptitude. You will have proficiency in Insight. You begin becoming actively involved in merchant business on the noble's behalf on Table 6.

(T.6): After seeing your "skills" as a salesman, you are put on caravan guard duty indefinitely. Roll on Table 20.

(T.20): As the caravan stops overnight, you are joined by some fellow travelers. Unfortunately, as you all turn in for the evening, they reveal that they are vampires and attack. You are forced to flee, pursued by these dangerous and dogged enemies as they hunt you for sport. You are fortunate enough to stumble upon a consecrated temple which provides you with shelter. Proceed to Table 27.

(T.27): A divine message comes to you while you serve in the temple. Roll on Table 32 to see this revelation. You will have training in Religion and Insight. Your life of adventure begins after this revelation.

    >>>> (T.32): You will bring a leader to power.


Total Rolls: 21
Your age is MIDDLE-AGED
The beginning of physical decline.
+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CON

Proficiencies:
Survival
Insight
Religion