I ran out of time making my own Elven character, so I grabbed the pre-made one from the starter set. Then I realized that the skill selection is impossible. The included High Elf Wizard comes with proficiency in 5 skills. Arcana, Insight, Investigation, Religion, and Perception.
In the PHB, you get Perception from race and you choose two from being a Wizard. So why does the starter set pre-made character get 5 proficient skills?
This comes from the Elf's Acolyte Background.
From BD&D:
Proficiencies: Insight, Religion (p37)
So here's how this breaks down.
That is now you get to 5 skills.
It's important to note that most characters will get skill proficiencies from their race, class and background.
Each Background grants you two skill proficiencies (as well as other things). One skill from being an Elf, two skills from being a Wizard, and two skills for the character's Background makes five total.
