Why did Sticky tend to doubt himself?

Sticky's tendency to doubt himself primarily stems from his experiences and internal struggles. While he may sometimes feel pressure and respond in ways that don't reflect his true capabilities, the more significant reason for his self-doubt is tied to his feelings of insecurity about his abilities. This internal conflict is especially highlighted during high-stress situations where he may not be able to showcase his intelligence effectively.

The first option, which mentions feeling insecure about his abilities, aligns closely with Sticky’s character development throughout the story. He often grapples with comparing himself to his peers and doubting whether he measures up, particularly given the impressive talents of his friends. The second option points to doing the wrong thing under pressure; while this can contribute to his self-doubt, it is more a manifestation of his insecurities rather than the root cause. The third option about lacking support from friends overlooks the strong bond the group shares, which ultimately helps bolster Sticky's confidence. Lastly, the fear of failing is a natural feeling but is more of a consequence of his insecurities rather than the primary reason he doubts himself.

Thus, recognizing that Sticky's self-doubt is largely rooted in his feelings of insecurity offers a clearer understanding of his character and motivations throughout the narrative.