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 an executioner.

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

(T.2): You're the bastard! You have two brothers and two sisters.

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 bit off more than you can chew; your enemy is far too powerful for you to take on. Resort to trying to talk your way out of trouble on Table 28.

(T.28): You make a convincing argument and win the respect of those who hear it. You will have proficiency in Persuasion. A noble comes to know of your skill and hires you 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 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): The target turns out to be a friend. You betray your employers and help them instead 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): A dangerous villain is working with your targets. Roll on Table 5 to see what villain. Through superior skills in Deception, you manage to get close to this villain and steal the information you need. However, after you've gone they figure out you were the spy and you must try escape on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.5): A demon.

(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: 16
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
Insight
Deception
Perception