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 or both of your parents were spies; and they raised you to become a spy as well. After determining whether you have siblings by getting a result from Table 2, proceed to Table 29 instead of proceeding to Table 3 as normal.

    >>>> (T.2): You were separated from your siblings at birth. Re-roll on this table to determine who they were, ignoring a result of 1, 2 or 20
Biological Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One or both of your parents were spies; and they raised you to become a spy as well. After determining whether you have siblings by getting a result from Table 2, proceed to Table 29 instead of proceeding to Table 3 as normal.

    >>>> (T.2): Two sisters.

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

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

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

(T.2): An older brother.

(T.3): Your family is ruined and blacklisted by the machinations of a rival. You have to take to a life of crime to survive, or become a political criminal due to the circumstances. Roll on Table 15 to see what your crime was. Then continue with a roll on Table 26.

    >>>> (T.15): Housebreaking.

(T.26): You become one of the greatest members of the group. When the group's current leader is killed by a rival, you take his place. Roll on Table 5 to see who the rival was. You will have proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Stealth. Additionally, regardless of your background, you have the Feature: Criminal Contact from the criminal background. Your life of adventure begins.

    >>>> (T.5): A lich lord.


Total Rolls: 12
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:
Sleight of Hand
Stealth
Feature: Criminal Contact (criminal background)