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 or both of your parents were spies; and they raised you to become a spy as well. After determining whether you have siblings by getting a result from Table 2, proceed to Table 29 instead of proceeding to Table 3 as normal.

    >>>> (T.2): Two sisters.

(T.29): You are a terrible spy! Your cover is blown practically immediately and you are locked up by those you were spying on in Table 21.

(T.21): You share a cell with another: roll on Table 15 to see their crime. You both manage to orchestrate an escape: flee on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.15): Cheating at gambling.

(T.19): You evade your pursuers for now, but you know they are never going to be far behind and you must remain alert. You will have proficiency in Perception. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 6
Your age is TEENAGER
Teenagers are dexterious and hardy, and often are cocky enough to be quite assertive and convincing. Unfortunately, this does not translate into 'real' wisdom or intelligence, and a teenagers body still has some growth to do before they'll be at peak strength.
+1 CHA, +1 DEX, +1 CON, -1 INT, -1 WIS, -1 STR

Proficiencies:
Perception