The correct answer is option (C):
A pompous … an egotist
The correct answer is "A pompous ... an egotist." Here's why:
The sentence structure indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. The novelist's manner is described, and that manner is something that "could irk anyone." This suggests the manner is negative or unpleasant. The second part of the sentence provides the reason why, clarifying that "no one likes..." something. We need to choose words that match this negative connotation and logical flow.
* "Pompous" means excessively self-important and arrogant. This fits the initial description of a manner that would annoy people.
* "Egotist" refers to a person who is excessively conceited or self-absorbed. This is the type of person, whose behavior would be disliked.
The other options don't fit the context as well:
* "A humble ... a genius": A humble manner doesn't usually "irk" people, and a "genius" doesn't directly relate to a dislikeable manner.
* "A standoffish ... a turn off": "Standoffish" means aloof and reserved, which could annoy, but "a turn off" is too general and doesn't clearly define a type of person.
* "A supercilious ... an optimist": "Supercilious" means behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others, which could "irk" people, but an "optimist" doesn't clearly link to a dislikeable manner.
* "An aggressive ... a braggart": While an aggressive manner could be annoying, "a braggart" is a type of person, but the structure doesn't strongly suggest a cause-and-effect relationship.