Final answer:
Illuminated manuscripts are characterized by their vibrant and colorful decorations, rich with miniature paintings and gold leaf, and were luxurious items commissioned by society's elite.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic of illuminated manuscripts is that the text was presented alongside vibrant and colorful decorations. Not only was the text skillfully scribed onto parchment, but illustrators also embellished the pages with miniature paintings, including decorated initials, borders (marginalia), and abstract figures designed to fit into unique spaces on the page.
The use of gold leaf and mineral-based dyes, often in brilliant blues and deep reds, meant these manuscripts were visually rich and appealing, rather than presenting text in different colors based on its intended purpose or using special inks to make the text brighter.
The luxurious nature of these manuscripts, often commissioned by society's elite, such as emperors and bishops, meant that the covers of these books were also lavishly decorated, contradicting the option suggesting that the covers were kept plain.
Monasteries served as repositories for these precious objects, where monks would meticulously copy and illustrate texts, combining art and scripture in a way that was meant to be both informative and inspiring.