How does character creation differ between gta v story mode and gta online?

Grand Theft Auto V story mode presents players with three distinct protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—each with a predetermined appearance, back‑story, and skill set that cannot be altered during gameplay. The narrative progresses through these characters in a fixed order, and character customization is limited to minor cosmetic adjustments made early in the game. In contrast, Grand Theft Auto Online, which serves as the multiplayer component of the same title, allows players to design a completely new character from the ground up. Players can choose gender, body type, facial features, hair, clothing, and other visual traits, and these choices are retained throughout all online sessions. This customization gives players a personal avatar that participates in missions, heists, and other activities alongside other online users.