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): If this is your 1st roll on this table you were adopted. Roll on this table another maximum of two times* as if it is your first and 2nd roll, for your biological parents, then again maximum of 2 times* (again as if it is your 1st and 2nd roll). After this, you may move on to Table 2.
Biological Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): If this is your 1st roll on this table, your family was poor. You will have 25% less starting gold. Continue on to Table 2.

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was an undertaker.
Adoptive Parents:

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

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was a lawyer. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

(T.2): Only child.

(T.3): You leave in search of a family heirloom or some other valuable or powerful item. Roll 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): 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): You turn up nothing. Your life of adventure begins with no progress made in this search.


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:
25% Less Starting Gold
Medicine
Persuasion
Investigation