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 farmer.

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

(T.2): Only child.

(T.3): Your family is ensorcelled. A wizard offers to help remove the spell, but only if you help them out in exchange. Roll on 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 are captured and (re)sold into slavery. Go to Table 16.

(T.16): You make a break for it! Run for your freedom on Table 19.

(T.19): You are captured and imprisoned 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): You nearly die and are permanently physically scarred. You suffer a pronounced limp, a wracking cough, a twisted hand, a blind eye or some other ailment or combination of ailments.

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

(T.22): You are a recognized hero who rises through the ranks. You will have +15% starting gold and proficiency in Athletics. Also, regardless of your background, you always have the Feature: Military Rank from the soldier background. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 12
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:
15% More Starting Gold
Athletics
Feature: Military Rank (Soldier background)