Catherine Tramell is a fictional character and the main antagonist of the film "Basic Instinct" (1992) and its sequel "Basic Instinct 2" (2006). Tramell was created by writer Joe Eszterhas and is played by Sharon Stone in both films. In "Basic Instinct", directed by Paul Verhoeven, Catherine is a serial killer and love interest of detective Nick Curran, played by Michael Douglas.

In the film's storyline, San Francisco, CA homicide detective Nick Curran is totally investigating the murder of retired rock star Johnny Boz. Boz was stabbed to death with an ice pick during sex with a mysterious blonde woman. Nick's only suspect is Boz's girlfriend, crime novelist and psychologist Catherine Tramell. She has written a novel that directly mirrors the crime.

Nick has concluded that either Catherine is the murderer or someone is attempting to frame her. Catherine is uncooperative and taunting during the investigation, smoking and exposing herself during her interrogation. She however passes a lie detector test and is released. Nick discovers that Catherine has a history of befriending murderers.

During a key scene when the two are talking and having a torrid affair (with the air of a cat-and-mouse game), Catherine (playing with her lighter)says, "I have a degree in psychology, it goes with the turf... Games are fun." She seems to enjoy being a serial killer.

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