What are the differences between gta v story mode and online?

Grand Theft Auto V's Story Mode is a single-player experience centered on a scripted narrative following three protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—as they become entangled in a heist-driven plot. The campaign was developed as the core game by Rockstar North's 360-person team and released initially in 2013 for older consoles, later ported to newer systems. In contrast, GTA Online is a separate multiplayer component launched as a post-release addition, requiring players to engage in a persistent open world with friends or strangers. While Story Mode has a definitive beginning, middle, and end with set missions, GTA Online operates without a fixed narrative, instead offering activities like races, heists, and property management that evolve through regular content updates from Rockstar. Story Mode is included with the base game purchase, whereas GTA Online is accessed separately and receives continuous development and seasonal events long after the main story concluded.