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 criminal. Roll on Table 15 to determine what crime(s) they committed. Regardless of what they did, you will have proficiency in Intimidation.

    >>>> (T.15): Black Market Activity.

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

(T.2): You're the bastard! You have two brothers and two sisters.

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 giant.

(T.9): You defeat your foe! Too bad they had an ally who takes you prisoner. Roll on Table 21.

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

(T.22): War is hell! Surrounded by chaos and bloodshed, you turn craven and desert. Try to flee on Table 19.

(T.19): You are captured and (re)sold into slavery. Go to Table 16.

(T.16): In what seems like an act of divinity, a disaster slaughters nearly all your captors. You travel to Table 27 to pay respect to the god that you believe is responsible for your freedom.

(T.27): You have a strange vision in the church that none there can explain. The send you in search of an oracle to do so instead on Table 11.

(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: Person - Table 12.

(T.12): You find out the person was just using to you, and that they actively hate you. After they push you away, you blunder about without paying much attention and end up on Table 17.

Choose one...
(T.17): A fey creature entices you into the feywild for a few days, but when you leave you find out several years have passed. If you left voluntarily, you can begin your life of adventure.
(T.17): A fey creature entices you into the feywild for a few days, but when you leave you find out several years have passed. If you left without permission, the fey creature curses you: roll on Table 7 to see with what.

(T.7): One of your hands is a twisted and scaly claw. You have no idea how to remove this ailment, and your life of adventuring begins with you still seeking an answer.


Total Rolls: 16
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:
Intimidation
Investigation