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 merchant.

(T.102): One of your parents was a soldier.

(T.2): An older sister and a stepbrother.

(T.3): You were apprenticed or sent to be trained. Roll on Table 4 to determine who by or what as.

(T.4): Looks like your quest for knowledge isn't even going to start! You got delayed en route. Find out why on Table 17.

(T.17): You fall deeply in love with someone, and are distracted from everything else. Find out on Table 12 the fate of the object of your affection

(T.12): The person is preoccupied with a rival. You need to get their attention back with an act of vengeance on this rival on Table 9.

(T.9): You become trapped with your enemy. Now, former foes must work together to survive! Roll on Table 31 to see how you in particular fare from this arrangement, then roll on Table 8 to see where you eventually ended up after enduring your ordeal and parting ways with your possibly former enemy (or they ran away once they no longer needed you).

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

(T.8): A small village in the wilderness, as a terrible winter descends. Pull through on Table 31, then try stay alive on Table 24.

    >>>> (T.31): You barely make it. The experience leaves its scars, both physical and mental, but you find ways to compensate.

(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 find this 'hardship' almost trivial and come out of it even stronger than before. You will have proficiency in Survival and Athletics.

(T.24): You take shelter in a cave that turns out to be the den of a pair of owlbears. When they return from their hunt, you are forced to flee deeper to Table 25.

(T.25): Beneath the earth you are suddenly confronted by a mind flayer. It waves its tentacles and you black out. When you come too, you eerily seem to have new knowledge. You will have proficiency in Arcana and are able to read, write, understand and speak deep speech. You also are somewhere else entirely: roll on Table 8 to see where.

(T.8): A friend's house. Just as well as it seems they need your help. Find out what for 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): Spying.

(T.26): During your work for the group, you are press-ganged. Sail on to Table 34.

[d20 = 15]
(T.34): You lead a mutiny. Roll a d20. On a 12+, you seize control of the ship. You will have proficiency in Athletics. Also, regardless of your background, you always have the Feature: Ship's Passage from your stint as a captain. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 20
Your age is MIDDLE-AGED
The beginning of physical decline.
+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CON

Proficiencies:
Survival
Nature
Athletics
Arcana
Language: Deep Speech
Feature: Ships Passage