You really can't have a 'bad character.' Dark Souls can be beaten at level 1. It's all about the gear you use. Personally, I never wear enough armor to where I cannot do a quick roll, or ideally the flip. I love fast movement, but I also have a huge weapon. Parry with a Dragon's Axe and you're golden. There is no real reason to enter the Valley of Drakes. I personally recommend shooting them from afar with a bow if you want to go in, but that's not a good place to judge you on. Say where you are in the actual story, what you're using, and your stats. That's how you tell what's what.