How does gta online character progression differ from story mode?

Grand Theft Auto Online is an online multiplayer action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released on 1 October 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, 18 November 2014 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, 14 April 2015 for Windows, and 15 March 2022 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game is the online component of Grand Theft Auto V and is set within the fictional state of San Andreas, based on Southern California. Unlike the story mode of Grand Theft Auto V, which features a linear narrative with three protagonists, Grand Theft Auto Online allows players to create and customize their own silent protagonist character. The game supports up to 30 players who can explore the open world environment and engage in cooperative or competitive game modes. The open-world design lets players freely roam San Andreas, which includes both open countryside and the fictional city of Los Santos, based on Los Angeles. Players in Online mode control a customizable character who can participate in various missions, activities, and game modes that differ from the story mode's narrative-driven approach.