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 you were adopted. Roll on this table another maximum of two times* as if it is your first and 2nd roll, for your biological parents, then again maximum of 2 times* (again as if it is your 1st and 2nd roll). After this, you may move on to Table 2.
Biological Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was a scholar and teacher. You will have proficiency in History.

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was a diplomat. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.
Adoptive Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was a craftsperson or skill artist.

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was an undertaker.

(T.2): An identical twin AND a younger brother.

(T.3): Who needs an excuse to leave? You just wanted to see the world! Begin your journey on Table 8

(T.8): A small village in the wilderness, as a terrible winter descends. Pull through on Table 31, then try stay alive on Table 24.

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

(T.24): You find some sort of road, trail or other route to follow to Table 8.

(T.8): The tower of a wizard. Enter on Table 10.

(T.10): You release an imp, homunculus or other tricky creature which snatches the wizard's favorite magical implement and flies off. The wizard demands you return the stolen item or find a more powerful replacement. Start searching 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: Object - Table 13.

(T.13): The object is cursed, now you are too. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): You were cursed with a kiss that nauseates and chills any who lock lips with you. You need to find a person to lift this affliction on Table 11.

(T.11): Good idea: Plying folk with drinks to try find information. Bad idea: Drinking so much yourself that you start a brawl in the tavern. Stagger on over to 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 town in a swamp which, it turns out, is a great place for outbreaks of plague. Endure the illness on Table 31, then search for a cure on Table 11.

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

(T.11): Good idea: Plying folk with drinks to try find information. Bad idea: Drinking so much yourself that you start a brawl in the tavern. Stagger on over to Table 23.

(T.23): You end up unconscious on the floor, but the tavern owner admires your style and keeps you out of trouble with the law. You still have to work off some of the damages though. While working, you overhear a conspiracy. When you report it, you are hired to infiltrate the conspirator's group. Roll on Table 29.

(T.29): You begin to uncover a conspiracy, but you need more information. Proceed on Table 11.

(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 demon.

(T.19): You spy your pursuers long before they see you, and cunningly arrange for them to run into some of their own enemies. They won't be bothering you again. You gain a reputation for sharp eyes and a sharp wit: you will begin with proficiency in Perception and Deception. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 25
Your age is MIDDLE-AGED
The beginning of physical decline.
+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CON

Proficiencies:
History
Persuasion
Investigation
Athletics or Stealth
Perception
Deception