Can i play gta online without completing the gta v story mode?

The only verified evidence supplied is a Wikipedia excerpt describing the development of Grand Theft Auto V. It does not mention any details about the online multiplayer component, its prerequisites, or the relationship between the story mode and online play. Because the source lacks any reference to whether GTA Online can be accessed before completing the story mode, no definitive answer can be given based on this evidence. Users should consult official Rockstar Games documentation or community resources for guidance on this topic.