Four Approaches to Combat in Demon's Souls - A True Beginner's Guide (Part 2/3)
0:00 Shoot magic (stand back to avoid damage)
0:57 Hide behind your shield to avoid damage
1:29 Roll out of the way to avoid damage
3:54 Parry to avoid damage and attack
In all cases you attack when there is an opening in your enemies defenses - usually this is right after they attack.