Some thoughts and tips.

If you haven't started playing the game yet or you're planning to do so in the near future then I would like to recommend picking either the Cleric or the Warrior. Unless you like early game challenges. In that case pick the Deprived which makes your character level 1 and completely "naked".

• Cleric: If you're familiar with World of Warcraft, the MMORPG, then you will know what a Paladin is. The Cleric is basically a Paladin with cooler spells. The only reason I'm recommending it because it has a heal spell which is extremely useful early game. Later in the game you will get some badass lightnings too. 

• Warrior: A sword and a shield. Basically a tank. Shield is one of your best friends in this game. It soaks up hits, you can reflect spells with it and parry attacks. My first character was a Warrior and I had a lot of fun with it. Also, really useful in PvE.

There are "Gifts" in the character creation that you can choose as well. A couple of the items are late game ones and can be acquired without much effort. So if you're planning to take one I'm suggesting the Healing Wares or the Life Ring. 

• Healing Wares: Tons of HP potions. Does it need any explanation? 

• Life Ring: A ring that gives +HP to your character. 

Majula

Majula is the first and most important city you'll encounter on your journey. Here you can purchase items, upgrades, join covenants and do many other things. Every path leads from here and back.

Maughlin the Armorer sells armor ( Who would have guessed? )
and his stock will improve over time. The basic shields sold by him are really good for early game. Also, if you buy enough items from him he'll certainly surprise you. 

Blacksmith Lenigrast sells weapons and upgrades/repair your equipment. Equipment upgrades cost souls and Shards. Shards can be obtained from him, few other NPCs and loot. His services are not available right at the start just later in the game.

Emerald Herald. The most important NPC in the game. If you kill her accidentally or you're on a random rampage killing everything you will have to restart from the beginning. NPCs do NOT respawn! This lady upgrades your skills and Estus Flask(s) which heals you and can be replenished at Bonefires. Skill points cost souls and will be more expensive each level. Your skill points can be reset only 6 times in the game and you'll need Soul Vessels to do so. 

Sweet Shalquoir  is a mysterious cat who seems enjoy making fun of you and know a lot without any explanation. She manages the player's covenant. She also sells useful items and rings. 

Throughout the game NPCs will move to Majula if you meet the requirements. There are two NPCs that craft you boss weapons. They're hard to be found and released. 

Two covenants can be chosen in Majula. These are the Way of Blue which is focused on Co-op and the Champion's Covenant which is focused on brutality. The Way of Blue is for those players who are new to the game and having trouble with invaders early game. The Champion's Covenant is for the hardcore players. You won't be able to summon other players into your game, but others will be still able to invade you. Enemies will be stronger, have more HP, and their intelligence will be higher. You can always leave your covenant at Sweet Shalquoir.