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 cult leader.
Biological Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was a soldier.

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was a merchant.
Adoptive Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was a diplomat. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was a criminal. Roll on Table 15 to determine what crime(s) they committed. Regardless of what they did, you will have proficiency in Intimidation.

    >>>> (T.15): Forgery.

(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): You walk into the middle of a slaver's camp, making their job very easy. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): In what seems like an act of divinity, a disaster slaughters nearly all your captors. You travel to Table 27 to pay respect to the god that you believe is responsible for your freedom.

(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): Enemies are closer than you may think.


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
Intimidation
Religion
Insight