Backgrounds

If your character's class denotes your current lifestyle and profession, then your background tells us more about where you've come from. Backgrounds add texture and flair to your character and give you additional equipment and abilities to start your adventure.
Consider how your background might compliment your class. For example if you choose a ranger as your class then the soldier background tells us that you range the frontiers to protect your community as part of an army or militia. However a ranger could also choose the hermit background, telling us that you conduct your work from a remote and lonely place in the wilderness.
From your background we develop your personality traits, ideals, character flaws and bonds.
For more information on the core thirteen backrounds listed in the image on the right, visit D&D Beyond and in the "Source" field filter with "Dungeon Master's Guide" and "Player's Handbook".