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 scholar and teacher. You will have proficiency in History.

(T.102): One of your parents was a diplomat. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

(T.2): Only child.

Choose one...
(T.3): A villain destroyed your home. Roll on Table 5 to determine the villain responsible. You start adventuring now, just after having your home destroyed.
(T.3): A villain destroyed your home. Roll on table 5 to determine the villain responsible. Roll on Table 9 if you want to have already tried to take revenge.

    >>>> (T.5): A mind flayer.

(T.9): You are tricked, and become lost underground. Roll on Table 25.

(T.25): Beneath the earth, you discover a huge statue with ruby eyes. You pry one lose, but then are forced to flee when a tribe of goblins chases you out of the tunnels. On the bright side, they chase you back to the surface where you sell the ruby for a tidy profit. You will have +50% starting gold. On the downside, it turns out the ruby cursed you. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): Your eyes constantly weep black ichor. A wizard knows how to remove this curse, but you have to work for them first on Table 10.

(T.10): The wizard decides you are capable enough with magic to join them in a war against rival wizard(s). You will have proficiency in Arcana. Join the fight on Table 22.

(T.22): You end up in a losing siege in a castle or fort. Faced with a choice of either being cornered or slaughtered, or following a secret subterranean pathway, you take the latter option. Descend to Table 25.

(T.25): You run into a dwarf surveying the area for places to mine. They lead you back to civilization, then asks you for a favor on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend didn't want your help. They actually just wanted to lure you to a party in your honor! That's the good news. Unfortunately, things get a bit out of hand on Table 23.

(T.23): You end up unconscious on the floor, but the tavern owner admires your style and keeps you out of trouble with the law. You still have to work off some of the damages though. While working, you overhear a conspiracy. When you report it, you are hired to infiltrate the conspirator's group. Roll on Table 29.

(T.29): You are a terrible spy! Your cover is blown practically immediately and you are locked up by those you were spying on in Table 21.

(T.21): You spend a year rotting in captivity. Roll an Table 31 to see how this affects you, then roll on this table again.

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

(T.21): You spend a year rotting in captivity. Roll an Table 31 to see how this affects you, then roll on this table again.

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

(T.21): You share a cell with another: roll on Table 15 to see their crime. You both manage to orchestrate an escape: flee on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.15): Cheating at gambling.

(T.19): You are captured and imprisoned on Table 21.

(T.21): You spend a year rotting in captivity. Roll an Table 31 to see how this affects you, then roll on this table again.

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

(T.21): They though that putting you here would be the end of you, but instead you essentially become the 'boss' of the prison you're in. Your loyal followers arrange for you to be released and even given a bit of gold when you are. You will have +20% starting gold and proficiency in Intimidation and your choice of either Deception or Persuasion. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 24
Your age is MIDDLE-AGED
The beginning of physical decline.
+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CON

Proficiencies:
History
Persuasion
50% More Starting Gold
Arcana
Survival
20% More Starting Gold
Intimidation
Deception or Persuasion