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 noble. You will have +25% starting gold and proficiency in Insight.

(T.102): If this is your 2nd (or higher) roll on this table, you either were raised by one parent or only one parent worked AND you have four younger siblings (you are the oldest). Proceed to Table 3.

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

(T.20): You realize there's a group of brigands lying in wait to ambush you ahead. You manage to turn the tables and ambush them instead: taking them prisoner. The caravan master rewards you and you start with +10% starting gold. He also allows you to take the prisoners to be turned over for a reward: roll on Table 8 to see where you end up with them.

(T.8): A town in a swamp which, it turns out, is a great place for outbreaks of plague. Endure the illness on Table 31, then search for a cure on Table 11.

    >>>> (T.31): It’s tough, but you pull through with high spirits and no permanent damage.

(T.11): Good idea: Plying folk with drinks to try find information. Bad idea: Drinking so much yourself that you start a brawl in the tavern. Stagger on over to Table 23.

(T.23): Your clumsiness, be it alcohol induced or not, results in the inn going up in flames. Flee the repercussions of accidental arson on Table 19.

(T.19): You evade your pursuers for now, but you know they are never going to be far behind and you must remain alert. You will have proficiency in Perception. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 9
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:
25% More Starting Gold
Insight
10% More Starting Gold
Perception