Can i play as my story mode character in gta online?

Grand Theft Auto Online operates as a standalone online component separate from Grand Theft Auto V's single-player story mode. While GTA V's story mode features three specific protagonists (Michael, Franklin, and Trevor), GTA Online establishes its own distinct character creation system where players generate an independent customizable silent protagonist. The evidence indicates that Online players control a 'customisable silent protagonist' as their avatar, which exists independently from the narrative characters of the main game. This separation means that even if you completed the story mode with Michael or Franklin, you cannot use those same characters in GTA Online - you must create a new character when starting online sessions. The online experience is designed around this separate character identity, with its own progression, missions, and social interactions distinct from the single-player campaign.