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 an undertaker.

(T.102): One of your parents was an undertaker.

(T.2): Two sisters.

(T.3): Who doesn't want to run away and join the circus? Clearly not you, as that's just what you did. Roll on Table 30.

[d20 = 20]
(T.30): A sword swallower. Roll a d20. On a 12+, you are successful. You will have proficiency in Survival. You take your act on the road until fate intervenes on Table 17.

(T.17): A violent storm forces you to seek shelter from a location on Table 8.

(T.8): A mountainous dwarven fort. They recruit you to help clear dangers in their tunnels. Grab a torch and head 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 noble's home. Keep calm and carry on to Table 33.

(T.33): Your 'service' is actually as a slave. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): You make a break for it! Run for your freedom on Table 19.

(T.19): You are captured and (re)sold into slavery. Go to Table 16.

(T.16): You are enslaved for years, but eventually a benevolent master frees you. Roll on Table 31 to see how the deprivations of slavery affected you. You will have proficiency in Survival. Your life of adventure begins.

    >>>> (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.


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:
Survival
Arcana
Language: Deep Speech