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 diplomat. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

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

(T.2): A fraternal (i.e. non-Identical) twin.

(T.3): Your family is ensorcelled. A wizard offers to help remove the spell, but only if you help them out in exchange. Roll on Table 10.

(T.10): You interrupt a ritual and end up teleporting the wizard away. You are obliged to seek him out, or just felt bad enough to do so. Either way, proceed to 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 beholder.

(T.19): With the constant need to evade those who pursue you, you develop a lack of trust and are always trying to suss out everybody's intentions. You will have proficiency in Insight. Roll on Table 8 to see where you eventually end up.

(T.8): A private hunting grounds owned by a noble. Try to explain your way out of it at 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): Someone related to the noble likes you... like REALLY likes you. The noble decides to banish you to Table 24 before things get out of hand.

(T.24): You find some sort of road, trail or other route to follow to Table 8.

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

(T.7): You were cursed with a kiss that nauseates and chills any who lock lips with you. You need to find a person to lift this affliction on Table 11.

(T.11): You discover you need more information to find what you seek. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on this table again, but regardless of what you were searching for originally, you now are seeking information.

(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 giant.

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

(T.17): You are press-ganged. Roll on Table 34.

(T.34): You are made to walk the plank. You have 20% less starting gold from wealth lost at sea. Roll on Table 31 as you struggle to get back to dry land. Your life of adventure begins when you wash ashore.

    >>>> (T.31): It’s tough, but you pull through with high spirits and no permanent damage.


Total Rolls: 21
Your age is MIDDLE-AGED
The beginning of physical decline.
+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CON

Proficiencies:
Persuasion
Insight
Investigation
20% Less Starting Gold