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, your family was poor. You will have 25% less starting gold. Continue on to Table 2.

(T.2): A younger brother.

(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): 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.

(T.17): You run afoul of slavers. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): A noble purchases you and agrees to allow you to work of your debt on Table 33.

(T.33): The noble becomes confidant of your economic aptitude. You will have proficiency in Insight. You begin becoming actively involved in merchant business on the noble's behalf on Table 6.

(T.6): You are framed for stealing merchandise! Was it a rival, or maybe even your boss? You'll have plenty of time to speculate in jail. Proceed to Table 21.

(T.21): You serve out your term in prison until you are freed. You start with 10% less starting gold. Roll on Table 31 with a -5 modifier to the roll to see the effects of this imprisonment. Then seek out a friend or family after your release on Table 11.

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

(T.11): In your search, you turn up the activities of a villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine which villain. Then try escape their wrath on Table 19.

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

(T.19): Fate interrupts your flight on Table 17.

(T.17): A wizard decides you'd be a good servant, with or without your permission. You are charmed into going to Table 10.

(T.10): You manage to ruin a ritual, and a demon is conjured forth. As the wizard and the demon have their fight, you flee to Table 19.

(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: 17
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
Performance
Insight
10% Less Starting Gold
Perception