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 lawyer. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

(T.102): One or both of your parents were spies; and they raised you to become a spy as well. After determining whether you have siblings by getting a result from Table 2, proceed to Table 29 instead of proceeding to Table 3 as normal.

    >>>> (T.2): Only child.

(T.29): You get close to your targets, but get too close: you fall in love with one of them. When you reveal or let slip the truth, they don't take it well and you have to flee on Table 19.

(T.19): With the constant need to evade those who pursue you, you develop a lack of trust and are always trying to suss out everybody's intentions. You will have proficiency in Insight. Roll on Table 8 to see where you eventually end up.

(T.8): A private hunting grounds owned by a noble. Try to explain your way out of it at Table 28.

(T.28): You make a convincing argument and win the respect of those who hear it. You will have proficiency in Persuasion. A noble comes to know of your skill and hires you on Table 33.

(T.33): Someone related to the noble likes you... like REALLY likes you. The noble decides to banish you to Table 24 before things get out of hand.

(T.24): You wander the wilds for at least a year, living a meager existence and never coming into contact with civilization. You will have proficiency in Nature, but there may be a cost: roll on Table 31 to see. Then re-roll on this table.

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

(T.24): You find some sort of road, trail or other route to follow to Table 8.

(T.8): You walk into the middle of a slaver's camp, making their job very easy. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): You are liberated by an army and compelled to join them yourself on Table 22.

(T.22): You are a recognized hero who rises through the ranks. You will have +15% starting gold and proficiency in Athletics. Also, regardless of your background, you always have the Feature: Military Rank from the soldier background. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 14
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:
Persuasion
Insight
Nature
Survival
15% More Starting Gold
Athletics
Feature: Military Rank (Soldier background)