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 scholar and teacher. You will have proficiency in History.

(T.2): You are the oldest of a 5 sibling family.

(T.3): Your parents need to give a noble a gift: you! Roll on Table 33

(T.33): You come to view the noble as a good friend. You have proficiency in Insight and Persuasion. The noble asks you, as a friend, for help 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 manage to fight or sneak your way out of the fight before the law shows up. You either have proficiency in Athletics or Stealth. Roll on Table 8 to see where you lay low.

(T.8): A secret bandit hideout. They left some gold lying around which you take. You will have +10% starting gold. However, now you have to escape them on Table 19.

(T.19): Fate interrupts your flight on Table 17.

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

(T.8): A haunted house. You escape, but are left with a curse. See Table 7.

(T.7): You were cursed to never again taste food or experience any joy from music or song. Can you find the information you need to lift this curse on Table 11?

(T.11): In your search, you turn up the activities of a villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine which villain. Then try escape their wrath on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.5): A wizard (again! Hey, it’s a trope).

(T.19): You spy your pursuers long before they see you, and cunningly arrange for them to run into some of their own enemies. They won't be bothering you again. You gain a reputation for sharp eyes and a sharp wit: you will begin with proficiency in Perception and Deception. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 15
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:
History
Insight
Persuasion
Athletics or Stealth
10% More Starting Gold
Perception
Deception