1 Emily: So what’s in Çanakkale that’s so interesting?
2 Prof. Jones: The ruins of Abydos, ally of Troy. We’re following clues from an ancient Egyptian papyrus to find the Crook of Osiris.
3 Emily: Ah. So you were in Luxor to find this papyrus?
4 Prof. Jones: Uh...
4 Monty: I won’t tell her if you don’t, Dad.

This is the advantage of introducing new characters. It gives you a reason to recap the plot every now and then, so that readers don't forget.

Of course then I go and spoil it by using a joke that you'd have to remember other aspects of the plot to get.