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 priest. You will have proficiency in Religion.

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

(T.2): Two brothers.

(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 = 17]
(T.30): They tried to stop you, but you ignored the warnings and became a mime. Roll a d20. On a 12+ you manage to make a success of it. You have proficiency in Performance, and the circus keeps you on for another season. Roll on this table again.

[d20 = 3]
(T.30): Fortune teller. Roll a d20. If you roll less than 12, you anger a real soothsayer you curses you; go to Table 7.

(T.7): Your hand turns to a sort of mobile stone. You can experience nothing in it: pain, heat or touch. Only divine powers can cure you, but in exchange you must serve the temple on Table 27.

(T.27): A divine message comes to you while you serve in the temple. Roll on Table 32 to see this revelation. You will have training in Religion and Insight. Your life of adventure begins after this revelation.

    >>>> (T.32): Once a villain was friends with your bloodline. Roll on Table 5 to see the villain.

    >>>> (T.5): A vampire.


Total Rolls: 10
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:
Religion
Performance
Insight