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Character backstory generator

Two backstories at a time, each with where they come from, the moment that changed them, what they want now, who they'd risk everything for, a secret, and hooks your game master can use. Choose a race, class and tone, or let the dice decide.

Free, no sign-up.

Pick your options and press Generate. Results appear here.

How to use it

Take the parts you like

You don't need the whole thing. Keep the turning point from one result and the secret from another, and change the names to fit your world.

Give your GM the hooks

Every backstory ends with hooks: named people and unfinished business. Hand them to your game master; it's the easiest way to get your story into the campaign.

Leave room to grow

A short backstory with one strong question is better than three pages. Keep the secret secret and let it come out in play.

Play the backstory

Press Play this as an adventure to start a solo text adventure as this character, and find out how they act before session one.

What makes a good character backstory

A backstory has one job: to give you something to play and give your game master something to use. The best ones are short and leave a question open. Where did the scar come from? Who is still looking for them? Why won't they go home?

A useful backstory answers four things. Where they come from, so you know how they talk and what feels normal to them. The moment that changed them, which is usually why they left. What they want now, which drives what they do at the table. And who or what they care about, because that's what the story can threaten.

Then add one secret, something even the other players don't know, and one or two loose ends with names: a rival, a debt, a missing sibling. Those are the hooks a game master turns into sessions.

Questions

Is the backstory generator free?

Yes. It's free with no account, up to 40 rolls a day.

Does it work for D&D?

Yes. Pick a class and race and you'll get a backstory that fits a D&D character, with hooks the DM can use. It also works for other RPGs.

Can I use it for an original character (OC)?

Yes. Set the class to Not an adventurer and pick a setting such as modern day, science fiction or superhero.

Can I make it tragic or funny?

Yes. Choose a tone: tragic, heroic, funny, dark, mysterious or hopeful.

Can I use the backstory in my game or story?

Yes. Copy it, print it and change it however you like.

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