It isn't a story. It is history. It really happened. But many who believe in no consciousness after death will say it is still a parable. If hell fire is false and if self-awareness after death is also false, then Jesus is using false doctrines to teach a truth.
Parables illustrate truth.
Of course they are. Conclusion Hell is a real place. It is not mere unconsciousness. It is not temporal. It is eternal torment.