Jeffrey Kaplan was born on November 4, 1972. Details regarding his specific birthplace and early childhood remain relatively private.

Kaplan attended the University of Southern California (USC), pursuing studies in creative writing. This background in narrative and storytelling would later prove invaluable in his game design career, particularly in crafting compelling characters and lore for games like Overwatch.

During and shortly after his time at USC, Kaplan focused on developing his skills as a creative writer. Although specific details are scarce, this period likely involved writing short stories and exploring various narrative techniques, shaping his future approach to game design.