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 great hero.

(T.102): One of your parents was a priest. You will have proficiency in Religion.

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

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 devil.

(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): The only way one group will come to an agreement is if they get hold of an object that is either sacred or otherwise important to them. You've been promoted (or demoted) to delivery person. Roll on Table 11 to start looking.

(T.11): You find what you are looking for. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on the associated table depending on what you were looking for: Object - Table 13.

(T.13): You find out the object is stolen property. Unfortunately you only find out when you're caught with it in your possession and thrown into prison on Table 21.

(T.21): You spend a year rotting in captivity. Roll an Table 31 to see how this affects you, then roll on this table again.

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

(T.21): You are tough, and the warden decides you might be fit for military service. Roll on Table 22.

(T.22): You're a good fighter, but in the end you are overwhelmed and taken captive. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): A friend manages to scrape together enough money to buy your freedom, but they want something in return. Find out what 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 manage to fight or sneak your way out of the fight before the law shows up. You either have proficiency in Athletics or Stealth. Roll on Table 8 to see where you lay low.

(T.8): A forest with elven guardians. They'll give you a chance to explain your trespass on Table 28.

(T.28): You are truly a great orator. You impress all involved, and they view you as an honored guest and bestow you with gifts. You will have +10% starting gold and proficiency in Persuasion and Insight. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 18
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:
Religion
Investigation
Athletics or Stealth
10% More Starting Gold
Persuasion
Insight