How do i keep my gta online character after playing story mode?
Quick Answer
Your GTA Online character is permanently linked to your Social Club account and exists independently of story mode progress. Story mode and Online are separate experiences that do not affect each other's saves.
Explanation
Grand Theft Auto Online operates as a standalone online multiplayer component separate from the single-player story mode of Grand Theft Auto V. Your Online character is saved to your Rockstar Games Social Club account, not to the game's local save files like story mode progress. This means switching between story mode and Online does not overwrite or delete your Online character progression, money, properties, or vehicles. To access Online, you must select 'Grand Theft Auto Online' from the main menu after launching GTA V, rather than continuing a story mode save file. The two modes share the same game world (San Andreas/Los Santos) but maintain completely separate save data and progression systems.