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 great villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine what kind of villain they were.

    >>>> (T.5): A cult leader.
Biological Parents:

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

    >>>> (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.
Adoptive Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was a lawyer. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was a scholar and teacher. You will have proficiency in History.

(T.2): A younger brother.

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

(T.4): Being a merchant's assistant may not be that exciting, but it is lucrative. Add 10% to your starting gold! Then roll on Table 6.

(T.6): After seeing your "skills" as a salesman, you are put on caravan guard duty indefinitely. Roll on Table 20.

(T.20): You serve your purpose with the caravan well and are rewarded. Add 10% to your starting gold. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 11
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:
Persuasion
History
10% More Starting Gold