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 soldier.

(T.102): If this is your 2nd (or higher) roll on this table, you either were raised by one parent or only one parent worked, AND you are an only child. Proceed to Table 3.

(T.3): You were apprenticed or sent to be trained. Roll on Table 4 to determine who by or what as.

(T.4): The stage calls to you! You study with an actor. You will have proficiency in Performance. As for your tutor, their fate awaits on Table 12.

(T.12): The person is a villain. Roll on Table 5 to see what kind of villain, then roll on Table 9 to move against them.

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

(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 manage to eke out some success, but one of the conditions is that you, personally, are taken away from one of the angered parties. You are escorted to Table 8.

(T.8): A mobile community of river-dwelling halfings who travel by barge. They teach you some hunting skills. You will have proficiency in Survival. Re-roll on this table, ignoring a result of 20, to see where the river takes you.

(T.8): A travelling circus. You can travel with them, but only if you can join the act on Table 30.

[d20 = 2]
(T.30): The circuses strongman, or woman. Let's find out with a d20 roll. If you roll less than 12, your attempts literally fall flat. The circus charges you for damages and kicks you out. Your life of adventure begins now, but with 10% less starting gold.


Total Rolls: 11
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:
Performance
Survival
10% Less Starting Gold