What is the relationship between story mode and gta online?

Grand Theft Auto Online functions as the online multiplayer extension of Grand Theft Auto V's story mode. Both games are set within the same fictional universe, specifically the state of San Andreas, which mirrors Southern California, and the city of Los Santos, based on Los Angeles. While the story mode focuses on the single-player narrative experience, GTA Online allows up to 30 players to explore the same open-world environment through cooperative or competitive game modes. The two modes are technically separate but integrated into the same overarching game, with GTA Online released after the original story mode to expand the player experience into multiplayer. Both utilize identical world-building, character customization options, and environmental design, ensuring continuity between the single-player campaign and the online component.