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Ludo-narrative Dissonance
(i.redd.it)
If your character's starting off at level one, they're really only getting started with adventuring. You can let that be reflected in their backstory.
If you want to play a badass, starting above level 1 is allowed, though probably not recommended for new players still learning the rules of whatever system you're playing.
But the peril is highest in those first few levels as a strong breeze will kill a level 1 character. I also think it is hard to get a feel for a character if they lack eveything that defines them class-wise imo